Flood warnings
Laura Routledge • Published 1 May 2012 09:30
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THE ENVIRONMENT Agency issued flood warnings for rivers across Berkshire today as the torrential rain showed no sign of letting up.
The "be prepared" warnings have been issued for the stretch of the River Thames from Mapledurham to Sonning, and the lower River Loddon at the River Thames confluence, running through Twyford, Charvil and Wargrave.
The River Pang - from East Isley to Pangbourne and Sulham Bridge - is also at risk of flooding, but environment bosses have ruled out any risk of property flooding.
The alert comes as the county braces itself for even more rain, with up to 25-30mm (more than an inch) forecast over the next couple of days.
Last month's rainfall totalled 97mm (3.82 inches) - well above the average 50.3mm (1.18 inches) - making it the wettest April in a century.
The county officially entered a drought in February and a hosepipe ban was introduced on April 5 - but despite the unprecedented downpours, Thames Water has vowed to maintain the ban
Richard Aylard, Thames Water's director of sustainability and external affairs, said: "We can certainly understand why some people are puzzled when they see a big red bus go by with 'WE ARE IN DROUGHT' emblazoned across its flank, with puddles everywhere and monsoon-like rain cascading from the heavens.
"But it took the two driest years since records began for us to get into this drought and one wet month, even one as wet as April, will not be enough to get us out of it. Last month's downpours will wipe out the shortfall for the last couple of months, but not all the dry months before that.
"So although April's rain has not got us out of jail, it has loosened the locks slightly."
Email your flood updates and any photos of flooding to lroutledge@berksmedia.co.uk
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