Flooding pictures from across Reading as flood warning in place

It comes as many places in the area have already flooded due to recent heavy rain.

The flood warning is in force along the River Thames at Purley Village.

The gov.uk website explains property flooding is expected in the area especially in the Mapledurham and Purley areas.

It said river levels are high but steady due to previous rainfall and these levels are expected to remain high over the coming days.

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The website says the situation is being closely monitored and incident response staff are operating weirs to reduce flood risk.

Residents are being asked to "please remain safe and aware of your local surroundings, activate any property flood protection products you may have, such as flood barriers and air brick covers, and refer to the 'River and Sea levels in England' webpage for current river levels".

Flooding next to The Oracle. Credit: Ryan Sheehan

Flood alerts in place

Flood alerts are also in place in the following areas:

Lower River Loddon

The gov.uk website explains property flooding is not currently expected and river levels are high but are slowly falling.

Flooding of roads, paths and farmland is expected to continue especially in the Sindlesham and Winnersh Triangle areas.

River Kennet from Thatcham down to Reading

The gov.uk website says property flooding is not currently expected and river levels are high but are slowly falling.

Flooding of low lying roads, paths and land is expected especially in the Theale area.

River Thames from Mapledurham to Sonning

The gov.uk website explains flooding is not currently expected but river levels are rising slowly.

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Flooding of low lying roads, paths and land is expected to continue especially between Caversham Bridge and Sonning.

River Thames from Pangbourne to Purley

The gov.uk website explains property flooding is not currently expected but river levels are rising slowly.

Flooding of low lying roads, paths and land is expected to continue between Whitchurch and Purley-on-Thames.

People across Reading are being asked to remain safe and avoid using low lying footpaths near watercourses.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service tweeted this afternoon to reassure residents that it will "continue to respond to incidents when you need us".

Its flooding advice tells people driving not to attempt to drive through flood water. The service said just 30cm of moving flood water is enough to make your car float and potentially move you into deeper water where you can become stranded. 

It also asks people not to turn on gas or electrics if they get wet and to only turn them on when they have been checked by a qualified technician.