Flood warnings have been issued across Wiltshire after heavy rain hit the region on Thursday.

Four flood warnings, which urge residents to 'act now', have been issued for the county.

The warnings cover the stretches of the Bristol Avon (upper) from Malmesbury to Chippenham and from Chippenham to Melksham, as well as the Upper Avon from Upavon to Amesbury, which covers Pewsey.

The fourth covers the River Bourne at Tidworth and Shipton Bellinger Village Centres.

It comes after more than half a month's worth of rainfall fell in just 24 hours.

More than 33 millimetres of rain fell in the past 24 hours in Royal Wootton Bassett, which compares to the February average of 56mm at the Lyneham Met Office weather station.

Several other flood alerts have been issued across the county.

In Swindon, a flood alert has been issued on the River Cole, Dorcan Brook and South Marston Brook.

Others have been issued at:

  • River Thames and its small tributaries from Calcutt to Lechlade
  • Tributaries on the Upper River Thames above Cricklade
  • River Churn and its tributaries, which covers South Cerney
  • Upper Bristol Avon area, which covers Malmesbury, Royal Wootton Bassett, Chippenham, Calne, and Corsham
  • River Kennet and its tributaries from Berwick Bassett down to Newbury, which covers Marlborough
  • Groundwater flooding in the Og Valley
  • Mid Bristol Avon area, which covers Bradford on Avon, Melksham and Market Lavington
  • River Biss catchment, which covers Trowbridge
  • River Wylye and tributaries, which covers Warminster, Wylye, Shrewton and Wilton
  • Upper Avon and tributaries, which covers Salisbury, Amesbury and Bulford
  • River Bourne and tributaries

Referencing the flood alert for the River Cole, Dorcan Brook and South Marston Brook, the Environment Agency says that 'property flooding is not currently expected' river levels in these areas are rising following the heavy rainfall throughout Thursday and into Friday morning. 

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: "River levels are rising on the River Cole and Dorcan Brook as a result of heavy rainfall. Therefore, flooding of low-lying land and roads is expected today (February 9)."

Currently, the river levels are sitting just below the top-end of the normal ranges but there is a possibility this could be exceeded. This is because further 'outbreaks' of rainfall are expected in the morning and throughout the day. 

The spokesperson added: "We expect river levels to rise further in response to forecast rainfall."

Environment Agency staff are allegedly in the area clearing trash screens to try and prevent the build-up of water. 

Members of the public are advised to avoid low-lying footpaths near local watercourses.