Storm Bert Leaves Oxfordshire Underwater (2024)

Counties across Oxfordshire are grappling with the aftermath of Storm Bert, as the fifth day of persistent rain and flooding wreaks havoc on communities. Residents have been urged to brace for additional flooding as the Environment Agency has issued over 100 alerts across the region.

Storm Bert brought heavy rain alongside high winds, leading to significant disruptions on roads, homes, and transport services. The intense rainfall triggered the closure of multiple schools, including the Cherwell School which remained partially shut due to safety concerns. The recent weather also resulted in flooding at the Tesco Extra store, which was forced to close, as well as over 18 flood warnings still active across Oxfordshire.

Local authorities such as the Oxfordshire County Council and the Environment Agency have been working tirelessly, with the council advising motorists to take extra precautions on the dangerously icy roads. Grit crews were active overnight, treating roads to reduce the risk of accidents due to ice accumulation and visibility issues caused by fog.

The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for fog overnight, advising residents of potential driving hazards as visibility dropped to below 100 meters at times, especially during the early morning hours. This glamorizes the risk of road traffic collisions, as drivers navigated through reduced visibility due to both fog and waterlogged streets.

Among those impacted by the flooding is 'Whispering' Bob Harris, the beloved DJ from BBC Radio 2. He expressed his emotional toll due to the situation, stating, "It’s made me cry. This is the worst it’s ever been, and unfortunately, the water isn’t receding at all." With his property suffering significant water damage, he described how water has seeped under the floorboards, knocking out utilities, and compromising the warmth of his home.

Despite recovering from some areas, flooding continues to threaten homes along the River Thames, especially near New Hinksey and Grandpont areas. High water levels release concerns as the river might still overflow. The Environment Agency has been monitoring the situation closely, providing updates should the conditions worsen again.

The disruption doesn’t end there. Train services operated by Great Western Railway have faced delays, with rainfall affecting key routes. Passengers are encouraged to complete their travel by 7:00 PM GMT due to anticipated weather conditions. Newbury station is among those impacted, seeing limited service as some platforms remain closed because of flooding.

Residents expressed frustration and exhaustion over repeat flooding incidents. One man from Didcot, recounting his experience, described feeling “frazzled and frustrated” by the relentless return of floods to his area, saying it had happened several times over just the past few months. He stressed how safety concerns had intensified amid phone alerts and environmental warnings.

Odyssey Services has also been called upon to assist with ensuring safety and responding to flood impacts, pumping water from affected roads like Abingdon Road, which had become impassable due to standing water accumulation.

Fire crews and emergency services have been on high alert throughout the storm, working to mitigate the damage associated with flooding and clearing blocked passageways. The collaboration among community volunteers has seen many rally together, helping their neighbors navigate the challenges posed by the floods.

Those residing along waterways are understandably cautious, encouraged to act now as the flooding influence persists. Abingdon’s Tesco store has begun to return to normalcy, reopening its doors after being cleared of debris as lorries worked through mud and muck brought about by the flooding events.

The conditions, described as both beautiful and lethal, continue to draw mixed feelings from locals. Many took to social media to share their experiences, some capturing awe-inspiring yet hazardous images of the flood aftermath, showcasing how nature interacts disconcertingly with the man-made environment. Oxford City Council has urged the public to avoid towpath areas until inspections confirm their safety.

With teachers and administrators striving to provide remote education solutions for impacted students, local schools adapted quickly through digital learning methods. Parents and students alike have had to adjust their routines, all the meanwhile worried about water levels and potential emergency situations.

Although Oxfordshire residents are back to cleaning up, they're also preparing for continued disruptions, with environmental authorities anticipating more rain as the week progresses. The public is left to tackle the emotional and physical ramifications of Storm Bert as they await the gradual return to normalcy.