Flood warnings for Kettering and Thrapston rivers as Raunds flooding flashpoints suffer again

Heavy overnight rain has combined with high volumes of water from thawing snow to cause flooding, making some roads impassable.

Two Raunds flashpoints - Brick Kiln Road and the entrance to McDonald's Service Station - were under several inches of water this morning hampering commuters.

The rising river levels could be another blow for residents who suffered catastrophic flooding on December 23 and Christmas Eve.

The Environment Agency has issued flood alerts for rivers in River Ise and Alledge Brook, Kettering, the Welland Valley and the Middle Nene at Thrapston.

A statement said: "Flooding is possible - be prepared. Over the last 24 hours we have seen heavy rainfall in the Northamptonshire area.

"This means that the River Nene is now rising, which will lead to flooding of low lying land and roads close to the river from this morning on Thursday, 28 January onwards.

"We expect the river to remain high throughout today. We are constantly monitoring river levels, and have staff in the field checking for blockages and clearing weedscreens.

"Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.

"Overnight we have seen further heavy rainfall in the River Ise catchment area and the Harpers Brook and Willow Brook area.

"This means that the river is now rising again, which will lead to flooding of low lying land and roads close to the river from this morning, Thursday 28 January, onwards."

IN PICTURES: The aftermath as Brigstock suffers 'worst flooding we have ever seen'