RESIDENTS are being warned to prepare for high winds, heavy rain and potential flooding as Storm Ciarán approaches Wiltshire this week.

Yellow weather warnings are in place for both wind and rain affecting the county on Wednesday and Thursday (November 1 and 2).

Wiltshire Council also said there are some river Flood Alerts currently in place in the west and north of the county, so people in these areas should sign up for Environment Agency flood warnings for up-to-date information, and know what to do in case of flooding.

A Flood Alert is the first level of Environment Agency flood warnings and means that flooding is possible and people should be prepared.

In areas at risk of groundwater flooding, mostly in the south of the county, groundwater levels look to be normal – however, this can change following heavy rain, so people should still be alert to potential flooding, a council spokesperson said.

The weather warnings cover much of the south of the country. Picture: Met Office

Highways teams will be on standby to deal with incidents such as flooding and fallen trees and will work through these on a priority basis as they occur, they added.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, cabinet member for transport and flooding, said: “There has been significant rainfall in parts of the county over the past few weeks, and the further heavy rain and wind that Storm Ciarán is forecast to bring this week could cause more flooding and disruption.

“There are currently some weather warnings and flood alerts in place, though of course these can change, so we’d advise people to ensure they are prepared and that they keep up-to-date with Met Office weather warnings and Environment Agency flood warnings in case the forecast worsens.

“Our teams of Highways engineers and tree surgeons are on standby to deal with any issues, and people can report any problems to us through our MyWilts reporting system.”

People are urged to:
• Secure loose items in their gardens, such as trampolines and furniture covers.
• Take extra care when travelling. Drive to the conditions and watch out for debris on the roads.
• Report trees down or other obstructions on the highway at MyWilts.
• Check the Met Office weather forecast.
• Sign up for Environment Agency flood warnings.
• Find a parish’s flood plan, usually on parish council’s websites.