RESIDENTS across Warwickshire are being urged to take care in the flooding.
With high volumes of rainfall continuing to fall across the county today (Tuesday), emergency services are calling on the public to take care when driving or walking near flood water.
In Stratford, the Recreation Ground is flooded and at Waterside water is creeping onto the grass. Birmingham Road is becoming increasingly unpassable as three drains are overflowing. Fisherman’s car park on Warwick Road is partially flooded.
In Bidford the Big Meadow is flooded and water is up to the banks by High Street and beginning to encroach on properties at the back.
The water is getting to the top of the riverbanks in Mill Street, Shipston, and Mill Street car park and Bridge car park are flooded and closed in the town.
The Warwick to Henley road (A4189) is closed.
Firefighters have already rescued several residents trapped in their vehicles after driving through flood water and are continuing to support local communities where residents have become trapped.
Partners are also working together as part of Warwickshire Local Resilience Forum to plan and prepare for incidents should flood levels continue to rise across the county causing risk to life and properties. Sandbags are being distributed to properties which have been identified as at risk and preparations for rest centres are in place should they be needed.
Anyone out and about who comes across flood water should take extra care.
This includes avoiding driving through flood water. Just a few inches of water can float a car and damage the engine. Most deaths caused by flooding, happen when people are trapped in their car.
If the road cannot be seen through the water because it is too dirty or deep, drivers will have no way of knowing if there are manholes present that pose a huge danger.
Residents out walking their dog should keep clear of flooded areas. It can become quite dangerous around rivers, which means people could easily lose their footing and fall in.
Be careful walking in floodwater that is above knee level – it can easily knock people off their feet. The water could cover open manholes, road works or objects that cannot be seen.
Do not touch items that have been in contact with the water. Flood water is likely to be contaminated and could contain sewage. Disinfect and clean thoroughly anything that has got wet.
Warwickshire Local Resilience Forum co-chair and chief fire officer at Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, Ben Brook, said: “It is crucial that Warwickshire residents do everything they can to keep themselves and each other safe during this heavy rain and flooding in the county.
“A key part of that is not driving or walking through floodwater and following advice from emergency services. If signs are in place asking you not to drive through flooded areas, please do not ignore them, they are there to keep you safe.”
To check which rivers have flood alerts or flood warnings in place visit https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/alerts-and-warnings
