The aftermath of Storm Bert has been felt around Oxfordshire, with severe flooding, and school, road and business closures.

The storm saw Oxfordshire battered by strong winds and heavy rain, with rainfall continuing overnight into Monday and causing river levels to rise.

As a result, the Environment Agency had 22 flood warnings in force around the county where flooding was expected, and a further 32 alerts where flooding was possible.

READ MORE: Storm Bert flooding sweeps Oxfordshire 

Some of the worst hit areas are Banbury in north Oxfordshire and Didcot in the south.

The rivers Cherwell, Evenlode, Ray and the Shill and Sor brooks all burst their banks.

On Sunday night (November 24), police declared a major incident in Hailey Road, Witney, which had to close as properties were flooded.

Further road closures and traffic disruptions were happening into the morning and throughout the day today (Monday), as rush hour traffic worsened the strain on roads.

The A40 north and west of Oxford has flooded, with the area covering Eynsham and Cassington badly affected.

READ MORE: A40: Standstill traffic warning as Oxfordshire road floods 

Other transport was disrupted too, as GWR cancelled all trains on key routes for the day, and both Chiltern Railways and National Rail issued delayed and reduced service warnings for Oxford travellers.

Stagecoach also cancelled all bus services in Banbury as the bus station was badly flooded.

Seven schools reported closures for the day due to the floods, including three in the Banbury area from Bloxham Primary, Wykham Academy and Cropredy Primary. 

The four other closures in Oxfordshire were Clanfield Primary in Bampton near Witney, St James’ Primary in Hanney near Wantage, St Michael’s Primary in Steventon Village, and Woodeaton Manor School. 

READ MORE: Seven Oxfordshire schools announced closures from flooding 

Advice was issued by Oxfordshire County Council and the fire and rescue service on flood protocols, including where to collect sandbags, advice for drivers, and recommendations to stay out of flood water in cars or on foot.

The Environment Agency also recommended that residents of areas where flooding is expected activate and property flood protection measures, like flood barriers, and prepare by moving belongings off the ground and putting together an emergency bag of vital items, like medicines and insurance documents.

READ MORE: Flood warnings and flooding in Oxfordshire after Storm Bert 

Like many properties, businesses in the worst effected areas faced flooding too, with some, like the Mill Arts Centre in Banbury and Bampton Garden Plants in Buckland Road, Bampton, having to close.

Residents have submitted photos of the flooding to the Oxford Mail in areas ranging from East and West Hanney Villages to Didcot, Banbury to Asthall Leigh and other areas. 

The damage comes after Storm Bert brought chaos to the county over the weekend, leading to business and event closures, damage from wind and rain, and transport issues.

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