POLICE, firefighters and Gloucestershire County Council highway officers are out in force dealing with flooding across the county.

Heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours has led to flooding on road throughout the county, particularly in the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean.

Although many improvements have been made the county’s drainage systems since the devastating floods of 2007, the rain has caused problems.

The worst affected areas are the B4008, A38, A419, A40, A48, A4173 and A429, although drivers should expect standing water on most roads.

GCC highways officers have been taken off normal duties and are out in force cleaning gullies and pumping water from roads around the county.

Gloucestershire police have also closed some roads and the county’s Fire and Rescue Service has responded to calls from Dursley, Berkeley, Cheltenham, Newent and central Gloucester.

Firefighters have been pumping water from roads and gardens where needed.

GCC area highway manager Jason Humm appealed to the public to help with efforts to alleviate flooding where possible.

“Our teams are out all over the county responding to any emergency calls we get and clearing away free standing water where necessary,” he said.

“At the same time, members of the public are asked to help if it is safe to do so.

“If you’re passing a drain with leaves on, kick them off or sweep them away as this will help prevent blockages, or if you see any obvious obstructions to the standing water which can easily be solved, and it is safe to do so, then please help out.

“While this rainfall is going to cause disruption, I would encourage people to remain calm and to take extra care if they’re out driving on the roads.”

Although rain is expected to stop this afternoon, more rainfall is forecast tomorrow and the ground will remain saturated so localised flooding could occur again.

Drivers are advised to take extra care and allow for extra time for their journeys.

Some schools have been closed for the day, full details can be seen at gloucestershire.gov.uk/closedschools

For live updates on flooding follow @GlosHighways, @GlosCC @GlosFire and @Glos_Police on Twitter