DUE to the heavy rain that has fallen over the last few days, and the heavy rain forecast for the early hours of tomorrow morning, the Environment Agency has issued flood alerts for the rivers Frome and Cam around the five valleys.

Stroud News and Journal:

The Environment Agency map above shows flood alerts in place around the area

As of 8am this morning the River Frome at Chalford was measuring a level of 0.56 metres at Stroud which is expected to rise to 0.6 metres, which is higher than usual for this time of year.

Stroud News and Journal:

The River Levels website shows the stretch of river that is at risk of flooding in Chalford

The raised water level has prompted agencies to issue a warning that flooding may be possible, although floodwater is not expected to reach the same levels as the SNJ reported in February, 2016.

Two years ago a section of road on Hyde Hill, between Chalford Building Supplies and Heber Ltd, had to be closed while volunteers attempted to clear the floodwater.

Stroud district is expecting heavy raining for a couple of hours from around 4am tomorrow morning, and wind gust speeds of up to 30 mph have been recorded around the area courtesy of Storm Eleanor.

Although a number of homes were reported to be without power in Nailsworth earlier this morning, supply appears to be back to normal and Western Power is currently reporting no properties without in the area.

Stroud News and Journal:

Hundreds pof homes were without power around Nailsworth this morning but the supply was restored by lunchtime.

However, although a yellow weather warning remains in place until 7pm this evening, the five valleys appear to have escaped the worst of the UK’s recent weather – welcome news after the snowy festive period.

Stroud News and Journal:

Much of the UK has a yellow weather warning for wind in place today courtesy of Storm Eleanor

Inhabitants of Bristol and Gloucester have not been so lucky as roads flooded overnight due to the heavy rainfall brought by the first storm of 2018.

Wind speeds peaked at 71mph at 3am this morning in Avonmouth.

Across the UK Storm Eleanor brought storm-force winds of up to 100mph, leaving thousands of homes without power and disrupting travel.

Several major bridges were closed due to high winds and there were numerous reports of fallen trees blocking roads including the M25.