UNIVERSITY boat crews have now been unable to train on the River Thames between Osney and Iffley Locks for more than 60 days.

Oxford University Rowing Club uses a flag system to warn boating crews of the river flow speeds.
Red flag status means no teams are allowed out on the water because it is deemed too dangerous.

The river level at Folly Bridge was 28 inches above normal yesterday and the Environment Agency has cautioned all crews to stay off the water because flow speeds are too fast.

Flag changes usually match water levels, with the next one down, amber, starting at about four inches.

This morning’s flooding situation remains mostly unchanged from yesterday.

The Environment Agency has said Oxfordshire remains in the “low risk” category and will do so until at least tomorrow.

There will be some rainfall today and more bad weather on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s assistant chief fire officer, Simon Furlong, has said: “The change from a heightened state of alert to normality is likely to be very gradual and will depend on weather conditions in coming weeks.

“The response of public and local organisations should also be gradual. We need to stay alert and prepared.”

There are still flood warnings in place for:

- River Thames and tributaries in the Binsey, Osney and Osney Island areas in Oxford

- River Thames between Newbridge and Kings Lock above Oxford

- River Thames and tributaries at New Botley, New and North Hinksey and Grandpont in Oxford

- River Thames for Shiplake, Lower Shiplake and Wargrave

The council is also still advising drivers to avoid floodwater and for residents to stay clear of towpaths.

The latest road closures are as follows:


Lower Street, Islip
Road from A329 to Drayton St Leonard
Great Brook Road from Buckland Road to Chimney near Aston
Grove Road, Harwell
Icknield Road, South Stoke from Grove Road to Woodcote Road
B4016 between Blewbury and East Hagbourne
High Street, Clifton Hampden
Knightsbridge Lane, Pyrton, near Watlington
Pembroke Lane, Milton (Vale)
High Street, Drayton St Leonard
Godstow Road, Oxford from A34 bridge near Wolvercote to bridge near Wytham
Dry Lane, Crawley