Severe weather updates

Latest updates

Updated 1.40pm 22 November 2024 - Storm Bert

Storm Bert is expected to bring heavy rain to the area this weekend. There is currently a flood alert (flooding is possible – be prepared) for the Oxford area. For the latest information visit the Flood Information Service

We expect river levels to rise over the coming days and Oxford Direct Services (ODS) will monitor the situation, working closely with the Environment Agency (EA) which manages the water flow through the network.

More information

Updated 11.30am Monday 14 October 2024

The towpath between Fiddler's Island and Sidelings Island is now open and the gates have been unlocked.

Updated 11.30am Friday 11 October 2024

The towpath between Fiddler's Island and Sidelings Island is flooded in places and is impassable. We have locked the gates at either end. We will monitor the path over the weekend and reopen it when it is safe to do so.

Updated 2pm Monday 7 October 2024

The flood water has receded and the Fiddlers' Island towpath is now safe to use. The gates at either end are open.

Updated 9.20pm Monday 30 September 2024

Seacourt car park extension is currently closed due to flooding. Please note, this does not affect the rest of the car park, which is operating as normal.

Updated 3.45pm, Friday 27 September 2024

There are currently five flood warnings for our area, as well as 11 flood alerts. Two flood warnings have been removed in the last 24 hours. For more details visit the Environment Agency website.

Updated 3.45pm, Thursday 26 September 2024

Amber weather alert for rain in Oxford

There is an amber rain warning in effect from 6pm this evening (26 September) until 6am tomorrow. Heavy rain is likely to cause flooding and transport disruption this evening and overnight.

What should you expect?

spray and flooding probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
a good chance some communities will be cut off by flooded roads
delays and some cancellations to train and bus services
power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses

For more information visit the Met Office warnings and advice page.

You can check for flood warnings in Oxfordshire from the Environment Agency here.

For further advice on flooding, visit the Oxfordshire Flood Toolkit website.

Updated 11.30am, Wednesday 25 September 2024

Yesterday's heavy rain has subsided, but flood warnings remain in force across the county and it is likely rain will return tomorrow.

ODS and City Council staff have been out and about checking on vulnerable residents and offering assistance to those who have been flooded.

The towpath between Fiddler's Island and Sidelings Island is flooded and has now been closed with the gates at either end locked.

River Thames

The Environment Agency has placed yellow boards on the River Thames upstream of Godstow Lock, and downstream of Iffley Lock. When these yellow boards are displayed, the Environment Agency advises:

users of all unpowered boats not to navigate
users of powered boats to find a safe mooring

River flows are likely to strengthen, and strong stream boards could be displayed very soon and without further warning."

Current conditions for boaters on the River Thames can be found here.

Sandbags

Neither the County Council nor the City Council provide sandbags to individual properties, except to vulnerable residents. We recommend therefore buying sandbags if your property is at risk. Sandbags can be purchased at most builders' merchants, including Buildbase, Wickes, and B&Q.

For more information visit the Oxfordshire County Council flooding webpage.

For advice visit on how to protect your property visit the Oxfordshire Flood Toolkit website, the Oxford City Council Preparing for Floods webpage, and the GOV.UK flood preparation guidelines.

Tenants whose property is affected should call Customer Services on 01865 249811.

If you are considering disposing of your sandbags

If floodwater has reached your sandbags, they cannot be recycled as they may be contaminated. You can dispose of used sandbags in the landfill containers at your nearest waste recycling centre

If you are disposing of the sand in your garden, wear protective gloves and dig it in the garden – do not spread across lawns or use for children’s sandpits.

If the floodwater did not reach the sandbags, they can be stored for use in the future

More information

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