UK – Flood Rescues After Heavy Rain and Snow

Snow and heavy downpours closed roads and caused travel disruption throughout the holiday weekend of 31 March to 02 April in the UK. Emergency services were called on rescue at least 8 people trapped in flood waters.

Up to 10cm (4ins) of snow blanketed areas of north England, north Wales and Scotland. The UK Met Office also issued several “be aware” yellow warnings for rain, mostly in central and southern England.

At one point on 02 April there were 271 flood alerts in place, along with 40 flood warnings in England. Natural Resources Wales issued one flood warning and 19 flood alerts in place for Wales.

Central England

In Warwickshire, Fire and Rescue Service said “Four people have had to be rescued from their vehicles this weekend after getting trapped in flood water. Please don’t put your life or the lives of others at risk by driving through flood water.” The incidents occurred in Hill Wootton and Wolston, Warwickshire.

Road surface flooding was reported in several parts of the East Midlands in England, with the towns of Lambley and Colston Bassett in Nottinghamshire among the worst affected.

Severe flooding was reported in the St Ives area of Cambridgeshire when the River Great Ouse broke its banks.

South West England

In the South West, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said they received numerous calls related to the weather conditions on 01 April. The next day the service reported “a busy night attending multiple flooding incidents throughout the county.”

Spring tide flooding affected the coastal village of Mevagissey, near St Austell, Cornwall, where roads were closed, leaving some residents unable to reach their homes, according to local media.

In Gloucestershire, 4 people were rescued after becoming trapped by flood water in 2 separate incidents in Quedgeley and Alney Island. A lane of the M5 motorway in Stroud was closed due to flooding.

North England

In the North, flood sirens were sounded after river levels increased in the Calder Valley Area. The area, which includes the towns of Todmorden and Hebden Bridge, has suffered numerous incidents of flooding over the last few years. However this time thankfully the rivers stayed in the banks although some surface flooding was reported.

Later, Calderdale Council said “The situation is easing across Calderdale with surface water receding and river levels not expected to rise. We will be monitoring through the night but any forecasted rain is expected to be light, so no further issues are anticipated.”

Meanwhile in York, the River Ouse is expected to continue rising until late 04 April, possibly peaking at 3.8 metres. The Foss flood barrier has been closed.

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