RESIDENTS have been urged to take 'immediate action' to protect their property and family from rapidly-rising floods in Oxfordshire this afternoon.
The Environment Agency has now issued two serious flood warnings for the county, meaning that flooding of property is expected in the coming hours.
The warnings have been issused for the River Thames between Lechlade and Eynsham in West Oxfordshire, and the River Ray at Islip just north of Oxford.
Read again: 40 flood alerts for Oxfordshire
Issuing the flood warning for the Thames in West Oxfordshire the EA said: "Property flooding is expected.
"River levels have risen on the River Thames as a result of heavy rainfall from Storm Dennis.
"River levels are forecast to continue rising today and tomorrow, therefore flooding (of property) is expected tomorrow morning.
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"We are expecting levels at Radcot Lock to rise to between 3.45m and 3.55m, you can find current levels online at 'River levels in England'.
"We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff have been operating Weirs to reduce flood risk.
"Please move family, pets and cars to safety and remain safe and aware of your local surroundings.
Oatlands Road Recreation Ground off Botley Road in Oxford this afternoon.
"This message will be updated this evening, 17/02/2020, or as the situation changes."
The warning for the River Ray was similar, urging residents to get family, pets and cars to safety.
Oxford Waterways has urged people travelling along the tow path to take notice of signage and not to attempt to cross flooded areas.
Please take notice of warnings to never try and cross flooded towpaths. River levels are high and fast flowing with sections of path under water. Divert - don't drown! @OxTweets @OxfordshireCC @EnvAgencySE @CRTSouthEast https://t.co/wOQSBSIDGU
— Oxford Waterways (@Oxford_waters) February 17, 2020
The flood alerts, which cover the rest of the Thames through Oxfordshire, the Ock in Abingdon and many smaller rivers and streams, mean that flood is possible and people should remain alert to the potential dangers.
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