There is a chance of a tidal surge this evening which may take the Severn at Gloucester to its highest level this winter and since 2007.
More high winds, rain and hail and sleet in the hills are forecast for tomorrow and this weekend.
So this going to be the toughest few days in Gloucestershire yet, others of course have had it much worse already.
My message above all is keep informed (details all circulated last week but repeated below): look out for your neighbour and report anything that needs attention (trees down or houses not sandbagged).
Meanwhile thanks to the Environment Agency and local authorities for responding rapidly to various messages I sent them with issues highlighted after last week's mail - clearing trees and supermarket trolleys in streams, preparing sandbags around houses closest to the River etc and thank you for identifying potential issues.
But tonight and the next three days will test us even more. If you live on low ground close to the River or any of the various tributaries please check for major obstacles that divert water and make sure you have sandbags if you need them - the city council will supply them: let my office know on 501167 if you can't get hold of any, with your name, house address and tel number.
In answer to queries about power supplies, the flood prevention programme in place at Castlemeads and Mythe stations, along with 24 hour monitoring of the site and pumps on standby, should prevent the 2007 disasters.
100 troops arrive today to support flood protection work by filling and placing sandbags and clearing roads of broken branches and debris created by strong winds. Their first stop will be Alney Island which is now at the most immediate risk of flooding despite constant EA pumping. Staff are on hand to advise on sandbagging individual properties. Residents on Deans Way and Rivermead also have sandbags in use.
Roads: A number of road closures remain in place around the county due to the high water levels. Where roads are closed due to flooding, it's safest not to attempt to drive through floodwater. For the latest information on road closures go to www.gloucestershire.gov.uk or call Gloucestershire Highways on 08000 514 514.
Rail: As I know from my travels, and because of submerged cable lines, this week FGW is running an amended service between Gloucester and Paddington and latest updates can be found here: www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/today.aspx
Follow @Glosprepared, @GlosHighways, @Glosfire and @GlosCC, @EnvAgencyMids on Twitter for updates using the hashtag #floodglos #floodaware, or log onto the website www.glosprepared.co.uk
The Environment Agency's live flood warning map can be found here:
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/142151.aspx and the Floodline number is 0345 9881188
Other Help available
A good flood insurance policy is critical and information on claiming and assistance is available here.
The insurance industry has committed to continue to offer flood cover to existing customers until June 2015 when a new scheme negotiated by the government called Flood Re starts that will ensure flood insurance remains widely affordable and available.
We've solved insurance issues for a couple of people: let me know by e mail if you have any problems.
Lastly the Prime Minister's package of measures to help those affected includes:• £5,000 repair and renew grant for all affected homeowners and businesses• 100% business rate relief for 3 months for all businesses affected by the flooding• £10 million fund for farmers suffering water-logged fields to help restore it to farmable land as quickly as possible• a total commitment in excess of £750 million from the major banks to provide financial support to business and individual customers affected by the floods
The next few days are pretty critical and will be our biggest test since 2007. As then the key is community resilience and if any of you see a situation that needs help please let me know.
This evening we celebrate Jamie McDonald's amazing 5,000 mile run across Canada. I hope that celebration isn't immediately followed by any of my constituents being flooded at home.
