LIVE: Met Office thunderstorm warning now in force and latest Gloucestershire traffic and travel

Welcome to the live traffic and weather blog for Wednesday, August 14, 2019.

We'll bring you the latest information from Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, Tewkesbury, the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds areas.

And we will keep a close eye on the M5 the M4 and M50 throughout our region.

A severe weather warning is in force today from 2pm until 10pm and we'll bring you the latest weather forecasts from the Met Office and Weather Channel.

You can also see the latest travel and traffic stories as they are published by visiting our traffic and travel channel .

18:53

Fallen tree in Forest of Dean

Cinderford Road in both directions blocked due to fallen tree from Soudley (Upper Soudley) to Blakeney (Blakeney).

17:39

A419 crash and traffic light failure

A419 - GLOUCESTERSHIRE

A419 partially blocked, heavy traffic due to accident from Bond’s Mill Business Estate to Spring Hill.

A429 HIGH STREET - STOW ON THE WOLD - NORTHBOUND - GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Reports of traffic light failure on A429 High Street Northbound from A424 Evesham Road (Stow On The Wold) to High Street (Moreton In Marsh). Traffic is coping well.

15:23

Delays on A417 near Air Balloon roundabout

A417 in both directions partially blocked, slow traffic due to broken down vehicle around A417 (Cowley / Brimpsfield Roundabout).
Affecting traffic near the air balloon pub.

11:22KEY EVENT

Advice on driving in storms

Motorists will have to face more surface water on roads (Image: Reach plc)

Some top tips here from the Met Office

Driving in storms, rain and high windsChoices and planning ahead

Even moderate rain can reduce your ability to see and be seen. A good rule of thumb is ‘if it’s time for your wipers, it’s time to slow down’.
If heavy downpours are expected, avoid starting your journey until it clears.
If you can, choose main roads, where you are less likely to be exposed to fallen branches and debris and flooding.
Use dipped headlights if visibility is seriously reduced.
Gusts of wind can unsettle vehicles – grip your steering wheel firmly with both hands. This is particularly important when planning to overtake.
Keep an eye out for gaps between trees, buildings or bridges over a river or railway – these are some of the places you are more likely to be exposed to side winds. Ensure that you maintain enough room either side of your vehicle so you can account for it being blown sideways.
Roads will be more slippery than usual in wet weather – be sure to give yourself more time to react when approaching a hazard. Increase your following gap to at least four seconds from the moving traffic in front.
Keep your eyes peeled on the road at all times as spray from other vehicles can suddenly reduce your visibility. Remember it affects others too, so anticipate their actions and be prepared.

Trees could come down in high winds (Image: MDM)

What to do when the road is flooded

On flooded roads, think before driving through deep water; don’t stop in standing water, and drive through the highest section of the road slowly. If there is any doubt don’t enter it.
Once you have managed to drive through check your brakes and dry them out as quickly as possible – a light touch of the brakes whilst still moving should do the trick.
RAC offers more in-depth advice about driving through water and floods.

Previous flooding in Gloucester, under the rail bridge in Barnwood Road (Image: Mikal Ludlow)

Keep an eye out for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians

Remember to give vulnerable road users including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians more room than usual. They are more likely to be blown around by side winds – always keep a safe distance.

11:19

Weather warning zone extended

The Met Office said the warning area has been extended a little further west and north.

11:06KEY EVENT

Gloucester teen goes missing

Talia Smart, 17, reported missing in Gloucester (Image: Gloucestershire police)

There are concerns for a missing Gloucester teenager who was last seen at the railway station on Tuesday evening.

Police officers are worried about the welfare of Talia Smart, 17, who is considered vulnerable

They said she was seen at Gloucester Railway Station at 7.15pm. More here

10:48

Met Office South West weather forecast

This is the latest from the Met Office

Today: Cloudy with heavy rain at first and windy around the coast. Rain and wind will ease this afternoon, but it will stay largely cloudy with fog and drizzle over the hills. Some brighter spells are possible in the east. Maximum temperature 21 °C.

Tonight: There could be some clear spells at first this evening, however cloud will thicken in the early hours bringing a few showers. Minimum temperature 13 °C.

Thursday: After a cloudy start with the odd shower, it will gradually turn drier and brighter into the afternoon. Feeling warm in the sunshine, but breezy in exposure. Maximum temperature 22 °C.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday: A spell of wet and windy weather will sweep through on Friday, followed by sunny spells and showers. Windy over the weekend, particularly on Sunday. Feeling cool.