FLASH flooding caused by torrential rain led to the closure of a major Oxford road and disruption across the county.
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service sent its crews to 68 weather-related incidents across the county to deal with property flooding, lightning strikes, road flooding and fallen trees.
Emergency planners worked with district councils to help temporarily rehome people whose homes were flooded.
Oxfordshire County Council said there was an influx of calls to its fire service between 6pm and midnight during intense rainfall and in the hours following.
Jason Crapper of the fire service said: “The first part of the county to experience the effects of the weather was West Oxfordshire and we attended incidents of localised surface water flash flooding in Bampton, Carterton, Brize Norton and Woodstock among others.
"Although the west was the first affected we did also have to attend a lightning strike to an electricity pole in Mathews Way near Wootton [near Abingdon] quite early.
“The weather moved from the south west up through the county to the north.
"We attended a number of incidents in Oxford and highways teams used pumps to clear water that had accumulated underneath the Botley Road railway bridge.
“Elsewhere we had to deal with flooding in Didcot, Kildington, Banbury and Enstone amongst other places as well as lightning strikes in Combe and South Leigh.
"It was certainly a busy night for all concerned.”
If you're out and about this morning be aware that there may still be debris particularly on rural roads, here's an example from Over Norton yesterday! pic.twitter.com/CgtgNDV8j2
— Oxfordshire County (@OxfordshireCC) June 1, 2018
Botley Road in Oxford was closed last night after heavy rain saw several feet of water pool beneath the railway bridge, with witnesses describing at least one car stranded in deep water.
The road had been pumped out by firefighters by 1am and reopened early this morning.
A reader in Botley said the flood forced most cars to turn around and was about one and a half feet deep.
It was also reported that the streetlights on Frideswide Square failed.
Botley Road Rail Bridge has been closed due to flooding. Our city 4/4A and U1 services are unable to serve Frideswide Square, Osney Island, Binsey Lane or Seacourt in both directions. Please board at Park End Street or Elms Parade.
— Oxford Bus Company (@OxfordBusCo) May 31, 2018
Flash flooding in #Oxford tonight pic.twitter.com/dXbI9S7WlN
— Emma Gascoigne (@thisisemmag) May 31, 2018
GWR arranged for taxis to help stranded passengers get home, according to county councillor Liam Walker, who was among those affected.
Stuck at #Oxford Station due to the 20:23 to Hereford via Hanborough being stuck at Didcot. Thanks to the @GWRHelp team for their speedy response sorting us into taxis just before the downpour arrived! ☔️☔️
— Cllr Liam Walker (@_Liam_Walker_) May 31, 2018
Much of the water in Oxfordshire has cleared this morning but Thorney Leys road in Witney is partially blocked due to a fallen tree, which is causing traffic in both directions.
The downpours last night reportedly also led to The Old Fire Station in Oxford being evacuated due to rain dripping in.
Scores of spectators had gathered for an Oxford Pride show, but weather scuppered their plans.
Oh no - fire brigade to be called to Old Fire Station -@OxPHWOARd show rained off - looking to continue the show over the road! #PrideEdition pic.twitter.com/cnqX7ivHu0
— Sue Eves 🐾 🐾🐾 (@sueeves) May 31, 2018
Meanwhile in Kidlington, Oxfordshire county councillor Maurice Billington said he had to call 999 to get the fire brigade out at about 9.45pm, due to heavy flooding.
He said the water was threatening to flood homes in Beech Crescent, Lock Crescent and Hawthorn Way, and the county council had to bring in sandbags at about 1am to ensure no houses were flooded.
Thames Water sent a team out to the village after Mr Billington and fellow Kidlington councillor Neil Prestidge, alongside Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran, flagged concerns about a pumping station.
@thameswater why is the pumping station in Kidlington in Spruce road turned off please? Causing flooding @LaylaMoran
— Neil Prestidge (@Neil_Prestidge) May 31, 2018
The Met Office has lifted its yellow weather warning for rain in Oxfordshire, and forecasts a dry day today with heavy showers at about 5pm.
Incredible pictures from Oxford Mail readers show the extent of last night's flooding, including the Botley flood below.
Quentin Sattentau said it was causing 'huge disruption' and sent this picture.
Didcot Parkway station also experienced flash flooding, with commuters wading through water pouring into the station.
One image even shows someone being given a piggyback by a firefighter to avoid the flood.
Pics. Tim Lawrence
Trains were delayed throughout the evening due to the deluge.
GWR says the station is open this morning, with trains running normally.
However, the lifts and ticket office are out of action.
This was sent in from reader Marc Hackett.
#DidcotParkway - Delays to services can be expected to continue until the end of service.
— National Rail (@nationalrailenq) May 31, 2018
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Oxford flash flooding
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Oxford flash flooding
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