Flood warnings across Oxfordshire after heavy rain
Nine flood warnings have been issued after heavy rain deluged parts of Oxfordshire.
Many areas saw more than 100mm (4 inches) of rain fall over Sunday and Monday which forced numerous schools to close and left roads completely submerged.
The warnings issued by the Environment Agency mean flooding is expected. There are also 19 flood alerts in place.
Chiltern Railways said trains between Banbury and Bicester North were running at reduced speed on all lines due to heavy rain flooding the railway.
Firefighters from stations across Oxfordshire were called to help people try and protect their homes as the water rose on Monday.
The service said crews spent more than six hours in Tiddington dealing with flooded roads and properties due to the unprecedented rainfall.
Mike Adock, assistant chief fire officer for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "It was a very, very busy day... we were in Wheatley, Thame, Barton, Oxford, Kidlington and Banbury, those were the most affected areas yesterday.
"The weather yesterday was, by all accounts, the worst weather in a 24 hour period for 56 years.
"We've had a quieter night, although our crews have been working throughout the night.
"Now it's a case of resting our crews so we are ready to be called if needed."
Those in areas with a flood warning, which means flooding of properties is expected, are urged to move possessions and valuables off the ground or to safety and use any flood protection in place at their property.
The Environment Agency said river levels were expected to stabilise and drop through Tuesday morning, and were being monitored closely.
The Met Office said South Newington saw the most rain with 140.2mm (5.5 inches) falling in the village, near Banbury, across Sunday and Monday.
Oxfordshire County Council said St James Church of England Primary School in Hanney and Wheatley Park School in Holton were both closed due to flooding.
Wheatley Park said remote learning had been set for pupils and it planned to reopen as normal from Wednesday but would confirm arrangements later on Tuesday.
The school added its open evening had been rescheduled to 1 October.
An amber weather warning previously issued for central and southern England, including Oxfordshire, by the Met Office ended at 21:00 BST on Monday.
The Met Office said a respite from the heavy rain was expected on Tuesday.
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