Stranded drivers rescued as flooding closes M5
· BBC NewsChloe Harcombe
BBC News, West of England
Stranded motorists have been rescued after a section of the M5 was closed amid "significant flooding".
The northbound carriageway is closed between J16 for Aztec West and J14 for Thornbury.
Firefighters were called to the route at about 01:00 BST to help rescue trapped drivers.
Steven Basterfield from National Highways described Friday's downpours as "exceptional" and confirmed about 6,000 metres of water per minute was currently being removed from the motorway.
The northbound carriageway is expected to remain closed for a "number of hours". The southbound carriageway has re-opened, but long queues remain between J14 for Thornbury and J15 for the Almondsbury Interchange.
Crews from Avon Fire and Rescue Service have so far rescued three people from stranded vehicles and helped to assist others stuck in the floods.
Diversions are in place, external, but motorists are advised to avoid travelling in the area as traffic is building on other roads.
There are currently delays of 60 minutes and four miles congestion, according to National Highways.
Mr Basterfield continued: "There's a lot of work going on at the scene to try and remove this water.
"It’s run off from the fields either side of the motorway and it’s a real multi-agency response."
High volume pumps are being used at the scene to remove the water, he added.
"There's extensive flooding in the area so it is going to take some time, but the pumps do seem to be having a positive effect," he added.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain which covers the south west of England.
It advises that heavy downpours will bring the potential for some flooding and disruption to transport. There is also a chance of power cuts, it said.
The warning is in place until 09:00 on Friday.
Tewkesbury Borough Council is also handing out sandbags to residents to help protect their homes against flooding, advising them to stack them against their doorways.
As of 05:00, the Environment Agency had 63 flood warnings in place and 120 flood alerts, including a red alert for the Tetbury Avon River in Malmesbury, Wiltshire.
Areas most at risk include properties in Malmesbury around Goose Bridge and St John's Street, the agency said.
A flood warning is also in place for the River Frome in Somerset.
Flooding is expected in Algars Mill, Mill Lane, Brookside Drive, Rectory Road, Damsons Bridge, Moorend, Cleeve Mill, Frenchay Mill, River View and Frome Bridge, the agency said.
Although weather conditions are due to improve this afternoon, the Environment Agency warned residents to "take care, avoid travelling and start acting on flood plans".
The agency is closely monitoring the situation and debris is being cleared from weed screens.
South Gloucestershire Council confirmed that Old Gloucester Road, Perrinpit Lane and Stidcot Lane are all closed due to flooding.
Motorists have been urged to avoid the area.
BBC Weather is monitoring the prospect of more wet and windy weather arriving later on Sunday and into Monday.
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