THE region has been hit by heavy rain and strong winds, creating difficult conditions for the drive home for Christmas.

Fire services were called to numerous reports of flooding and fallen trees on Monday (December 23) and into the early hours of Christmas Eve when torrential rain hit the South West accompanied by strong gusts of wind.

Roads affected in the area included Sidcote Lane, near its junction with the B4058 at Bagstone. The main route into the village of Tytherington was impassable due to deep water with some motorists getting stuck in the flood water.

In Yate, the Westerleigh road from Shire Way was flooded near the railway bridge.

Tait's Hill was closed to traffic early on Christmas Eve but the road was reopened just after 9am.

The M48 Severn Bridge was closed both ways due to strong winds numerous times over the Christmas period.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service was called to 11 incidents overnight between Monday and Tuesday which were weather related.

Just after midnight, firefighters were called to Mumbleys Lane in Thornbury to reports of flooding but were not required to make a rescue.

At 12.25am crews were called to an electricity transformer in Chapel Lane in Old Sodbury.

Spokesman James Bladon said: “Crews attended but found there was no danger to the public and they were able to leave the scene.”

He added: “We also provided advice to a further 17 callers generally about things such as dangerous structures, fallen trees and cables and possible flooding.”

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service was called to five incidents of storm damage on Monday. The call outs were to Gloucester and Cheltenham and one person who had to be rescued from Paganhill in Stroud.

The wet and windy weather is now heading northwards providing some respite for the South West. However, further heavy rain is expected next week with more downpours and windy conditions.