Heavy rainfall causes havoc across Bristol

Heavy overnight rain caused widespread flooding throughout the Bristol and southwest area and there could well be more to follow with rain warnings issued by the Met Office for the rest of Today (September 24), Tuesday and Wednesday.

Many roads have been encased by "rivers of water" throughout Bristol including the M32 – where motorists are moving very slowly.

The local fire service has already answered to more than 40 incidents relating to flooding – of these six involved people being rescued.

A flood warning has been issued by the Environmental Agency at Bristol Frome from Nibley to upstream of Stapleton including Frampton Cotterell and Frenchay – as rain continues to fall.

River levels on the River Frome at Chipping Sodbury and River Frome at Frenchay are rising as up to 25 mm of rainfall has been forecast between 6am this morning and 6pm this evening.

There are further warnings of flooding along the Brislington Brook including Oakdale Road, South Bristol Sports Ground, Church Hill, Hollywood Road, Jean Road, School Road, Clayfield Road, Victory Park, Natures Garden and St Annes Wood.

Police are warning motorists to take particular care across the whole region when travelling on roads following heavy rainfall.

A spokesman said: "There have been reports of spray and surface water across Avon and Somerset. Please allow extra time for your journey and consider if you really need to travel this morning. If you do, motorists are reminded to avoid going through deep water – a small number of motorists have already become stranded in their vehicles."

Near Blaise Castle, more than three feet of water has trapped several cars.

Local rail networks have also been affected with disruption to rail services between Exeter and Bristol.

For more details of the forecast visit the local weather pages.