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More thunderstorms predicted in south east England





As high winds and torrential rain battered West Berkshire at the weekend, more than 30 flood alerts were issued across the south east as rivers responded to rainfall of up to 40 mm over the weekend in some places.
Environment Agency crews spent the weekend clearing trash screens, closing flood gates, operating flood storage areas, removing debris from known hotspots and warning and informing the public about the possibility of flooding over the weekend.
Teams are now monitoring river levels across the south east and the weather front ahead of the predicted rainfall this evening. The Met Office has issued a weather warning for rain in Newbury at around 10pm this evening.
South East flood risk manager for the Environment Agency, Peter Quarmby said: “Our teams have been working round the clock throughout the weekend to ensure our flood defences remain intact and protect people, monitoring river levels, checking and operating flood defences and removing any blockages that may increase the risk of flooding. Our Floodline Warnings Direct service has kept those affected informed and allowed them time to prepare if the weather worsened.
A spokesman for West Berkshire Council, Keith Ulyatt, said there had been flash flooding this morning in Headley Ford, Thornford Road, Crookham, where Newburytoday reported earlier that a man died after his car was swept away with the floods. Diversions are currently in place via Headley. There has also been flooding at Shalford Bridge, between Wasing and Brimpton, with diversions via Back lane and Brimpton.
The Environment Agency has announced it is drawing up final plans for the £1.54m Newbury flood alleviation scheme, designed to protest the town from floodwater rising from the Kennet and Avon Canal.
It will hold a drop-in session at The Salvation Army Hall, Northcroft Lane, Newbury, on May 10 between 4-8pm for residents to find out more about the project.
Despite the heavy rainfall, Thames Water’s external affairs and sustainability director, Richard Aylard said the hosepipe ban would remain in place.
"The irony has not escaped us, we know there’s been a lot of rain since we announced the hosepipe ban, and we understand why people are talking about ‘the wettest drought ever’. But seriously a couple of wet weeks are not going to fix the problem,” he added.
If you have seen flooding in the district, please let us know by contacting James Williams on (01635) 564533 or emailing at james.williams@newburynews.co.uk
Those in flood risk areas can sign up to the Environment Agency’s free flood warning system – the most immediate and localised source of information on flooding – by calling 0845 988 1188 or visiting www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood



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