A flood alert has been issued for the Oxford area after persistent and heavy rainfall. 

The Environment Agency issued the alert this afternoon (February 8) for areas near the River Thames.

This includes areas between Wolvercote, Radley and Jericho. 

The Environment Agency urged householders to be prepared as river levels rise as a result of heavy rainfall. 

It comes as the A34 was partly flooded in sections near Abingdon this morning which resulted in a crash in the southbound carriageway. 

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An Environment Agency statement said: “Flooding of low-lying land and roads is expected this evening (February 8), especially in the New Botley area of Oxford.

"The forecast is for persistent heavy rainfall this evening followed by scattered showers overnight into tomorrow. 

“We expect river levels to rise further in response to forecast rainfall. Our staff are operating weirs to reduce flood risk. Avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses.

“Go to the 'River and Sea levels in England' web page for current river levels.”