TWELVE flood alerts are in place around the Swindon area.

Flooding is possible at the River Cole and Dorcan Brook.

Property flooding is not currently expected but iver levels have started to rise a result of Storm Dennis. They are forecast to continue rising overnight. Flooding of low-lying land, footpaths and roads is possible if the heavy rainfall persists over the Swindon area. Further heavy rainfall is forecast over the next 24 hours. 

The River Ray and Swinbourne from the west Swindon area to above Water Eaton is also filling up. River levels are forecast to be out of banks in the early hours of Sunday. Incident response starr are clearing weeds and trash screens.

There are similar risks at the River Ock from Watchfield to Abingdon, the Clanfield Brook for Clanfield Village, the Shill Brook for Bampton and the Letcombe Brook at Wantage, Grove and East Hanney.

Groundwater flooding in the Upper Og valley, near Chiseldon and the A346, is possible.

A government spokesman said: "Groundwater levels have been rising in the past couple of days in response to the recent heavy rainfall. Levels remain high at our observation borehole near Draycot Foliat in the Og Valley, and are above normal for this time of year.

"Groundwater levels will be sensitive to further rainfall. Flooding of low-lying land and roads is possible. Due to the nature of groundwater behaviour, levels could remain high for several weeks or longer. Should groundwater levels increase further, property flooding is possible in the longer term. We are closely monitoring the situation."

Flooding is also possible in the Upper Bristol Avon area which reaches as far as Royal Wootton Bassett.

The spokesman added: "River levels are currently stable at the Great Somerford, Brokenborough and Fosseway river gauges. Further rainfall is forecast later today, Saturday, and overnight. River levels will react to this further rainfall associated with Storm Dennis and due to the ground being saturated. Consequently, the risk of flooding remains."

The River Coln's levels are high and could overflow, which would affect Fairford and Lechlade.

A government spokesman said: "Property flooding is not currently expected. River levels are high but steady on the River Coln as Storm Dennis begins. Therefore, the risk of flooding remains, especially in the Fossebridge and Fairford areas. Storm Dennis brings a forecast of rainfall - heavy at times - over the next 48 hours. We expect river levels to begin rising."

High water levels at River Kennet and its tributaries from Berwick Bassett down to Newbury poses similar risks, with "flooding of low-lying land, footpaths and roads imminent, especially in the areas between Ramsbury and Hungerford".

Rising groundwater in the Upper Aldbourne Valley could cause problems near Baydon.

The spokesman added: "Groundwater levels remain high but are steady at our Water Acre observation borehole. Groundwater levels will be sensitive to further rainfall. Flooding of low-lying land and roads is possible.

"Due to the nature of groundwater behaviour, levels could remain high for several weeks or longer. Should groundwater levels increase further, property flooding is possible in the longer term."

Further afield, groundwater levels remain high in the Lambourn valley. Flooding of low-lying land and roads is possible.