DRIVERS are being asked to avoid flooded routes in Gloucestershire as further bad weather is anticipated in the coming days.

Some of the county’s main routes have had to be closed by Gloucestershire Highways as surface water on the roads has made them impassable.

These roads currently include:

• A417 Maisemore

• A438 Tewkesbury (by Morrisons)

• B4213 closed at Haw Bridge

• B4080 Bredon Road

• B4234 from Lower Lydbrook to Ross

• Spitalgate Lane, Cirencester

Meanwhile, the A438 out of Tewkesbury towards the M5 is currently passable with care, as is the A38 at Longford and Norton.

There’s also a good deal of standing water on routes across the county and there are a number of minor roads inaccessible.

The Met Office is warning that heavy showers are expected on Wednesday, while there is the potential for further storms at the end of the week.

Road temperatures are likely to fall below zero degrees overnight, which could lead to icy conditions - Gloucestershire Highways will be out gritting this week and is urging drivers to take extra care and to keep speeds down.

Closures on main commuter routes are signposted and diversions are in place. Meanwhile motorists are being urged to avoid known flooded routes and to allow extra time for their journeys.

Brian Watkins, local highways manager, said: “There is significant flooding in parts of the county and extra teams are on standby to respond if needed. As always, we would remind motorists to avoid driving through flood water because there is a chance of potential dangers beneath the surface. We will work hard to reopen roads when it is safe to do so.”

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) crews have launched rescue boats alongside teams from the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) today ready to assist homeowners who have become cut off by flood water. They will continue to patrol the worst hit areas in the coming days.

Temporary Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dave Hornibrook said: “We are monitoring the situation closely and offering people assistance as and when it is needed. If residents find themselves in any difficulty we will be ready to respond.”

Follow @GlosHighways, @Glosfire and @GlosCC on Twitter for updates.