POLICE in Gloucestershire are asking drivers to avoid flooded roads and be prepared for traffic delays during peak times.

Some of the county’s main commuter routes along the path of the river remain underwater today and are likely to stay closed for some time.

The latest information from the Environment Agency is that it is likely to take several days for the water to drain away.

This means the roads, including the A417 at Maisemore and the B4213 Hawbridge, are likely to remain closed for several days.

Routes around the centre of Gloucester are also likely to be affected this evening, as the River Severn continues to swell.

There is still a lot of standing water on routes all around the county and there are a number of minor roads inaccessible.

Gloucestershire Highways is signposting closures on main commuter routes and diversions are in place.

However, traffic delays during rush hour tonight and again in the morning are likely, particularly in Gloucester city centre and the north west of the county.

Drivers are being urged to avoid known flooded routes, to allow extra time for their journeys and to avoid travelling in peak periods if possible.

Gloucestershire County Council has asked the Highways Agency to stop planned night working on the M50 so the motorway will now remain open to help alleviate the situation overnight.

Jason Humm, area highway manager, said: “Unfortunately, until the flood water subsides the roads will remain closed and in some cases this may be several days.

“We would encourage drivers to think about their journeys before setting off and to please avoid known flooded areas if at all possible.

“We are putting out clear diversions where the main routes are shut and I would urge people to follow them and not try to drive through the flood water.

“The main area of concern this evening is the centre of Gloucester as the Severn peaks and our teams are on standby to react if needed.”

The weather forecast is looking brighter for the rest of the week and no more significant rain is currently forecast.

However, the River Severn is yet to peak in Gloucester, so further localised flooding is still possible.

In Tewkesbury, the river peaked early this morning at around 4.8metres – a metre less than the 2007 peak.

There is localised flooding in the centre of Tewkesbury as a result but the A38 Ashchurch Road near Morrisons supermarket is the only main route closure, although many minor roads are affected.

Gloucestershire Highways teams remain off normal duties as all gangs are responding to flood related incidents around the county.

Follow @GlosHighways and @GlosCC on Twitter for updates.