Fresh weather warning issued

8:31pm Tuesday 8th July 2008

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Forecasters have predicted heavy rain in Oxfordshire - with the potential for severe flash-flooding.

The Met Office said there was a 60 per cent chance of severe or extreme weather hitting the county, which could lead to incidents of flooding after several days of above average rainfall. Motorists were advised to take care.

'The ground can cope fairly well at the moment, although there may be some surface water issues'

Barry Russell, Environment Agency

A Met Office spokesman said: "Rain will be heavy at times with the potential for 25 to 35mm to fall widely and up to 50mm in places."

Tonight, the Environment Agency had not put any rivers in the Thames Valley on alert, but that is likely to change.

Barry Russell, the agency's area flood risk manager, said: "It's fair to say we do have some concerns. We are expecting 30 to 38mm of rainfall, but over about 18 hours.

"The ground can cope fairly well at the moment, although there may be some surface water issues."

Nationally, the worst of the weather is expected in Cornwall and Devon, where up to 75mm of rain is due to fall.