Dramatic images show the River Kennet swollen with rainwater and flooding at The Oracle in Reading.
The paving to shacks at the pop-up Après bar at The Oracle Riverside could be seen submerged in water as a result of storms bringing rain that has led to the river bursting its banks.
The rain also dampened the wooden panelling for the main bar shack.
Luckily, the flooding has occurred shortly after the pop-up area closed for the final time this season. A staff member said that the area was closed after New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The Après bar is made up of a main bar shack, open-air huts a ski gondola and private huts for gatherings and karaoke. It is understood that packing down of the pop-up area will be undertaken in dryer conditions.
Opposite, a riverside section near Comptoir Libanais was also submerged.
The flooding comes as Britain has been hit by Storm Gerrit and Storm Henk. Storm Gerrit brought heavy rainfall to areas throughout the UK from Wednesday, December 27, 2023 which lasted for days.
The Met Office named Storm Henk on Tuesday, January 2 which will bring yet more rain and fast winds.
READ MORE: Flood alerts across Berkshire following heavy rain
Paul Gundersen the Met Office chief meteorologist said: “Further wet and windy weather is forecast for the UK this week.
“Our latest analysis of the forecast shows an increase in the likelihood of very strong wind gusts across parts of southern Wales and England which is why we have issued this Amber warning this morning and named Storm Henk.
“Storm Henk will initially bring very strong winds to the southwest of England and Southern Wales, with gusts of up to 80mph possible.
“As Storm Henk moves north-eastwards across the south of the UK through Tuesday the strongest winds will also move eastwards, across the south Midlands, Home Counties and East Anglia through the afternoon and evening.”
The amber weather warning covers a band of England stretching from Penzance to Norwich, and includes Reading and the wider Berkshire area.
Residents have been told to be aware of damage to buildings, flying debris, power cuts, road closures and public transport cancellations. The warning will last until 8pm.
A yellow weather warning for rain was also issued covering England and Wales south of Nottingham.
Members of the public have been told to expect travel disruption, interruption to power supplies and other services, and the possible flooding of homes and businesses. The warning for rain will last until 9pm.
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