Motorists are being warned to avoid the area around Showcase Cinema Roundabout in Winnersh after floodwaters made it impassable.
There was traffic mayhem on Saturday after drivers were unable to travel from Wokingham to Earley via the Reading Road. And with Mill Lane closed between Sindlesham and Mole Road, drivers were struggling to find alternative routes that didn’t add long delays to their journey.
As usual with heavy rainfall, the Showcase Cinema car park was submerged and Pets at Home and Wickes had water lapping at their doorways with the carpark under water.
Winnersh Garden Centre is also facing the brunt of the flooding and while Bar+Block and The Premier Inhale so far escape the floods, heavy traffic means it’s difficult to access either business.
At 2.45pm today (Saturday), Wokingham Borough Council posted on their Facebook page: “We understand there are delays around the Showcase Cinema Roundabout at Winnersh as a result of recent flooding, which has made parts of it inaccessible. Motorists may want to consider alternative routes, where possible. Please follow any signage on site – and avoid driving through flooded areas anywhere to avoid becoming stranded.”
The Environment Agency said: “River levels remain high on the River Loddon as a result of a period of sustained rain. Flooding of low lying land is expected to continue. The forecast for today, 6th January 2024, is for mostly dry conditions with the chance of some light showers, with a dry forecast for the next few days. Levels will continue to slowly rise over the next 24 hours.
“We are closely monitoring the situation. Please remain safe and aware of your local surroundings. Avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and refer to the ‘River and Sea levels in England’ webpage for current river levels. Flood alert area: Lower River Loddon including Swallowfield, Arborfield, Shinfield, Barkham, Lower Earley, Sindlesham, Winnersh, Woodley, Hurst and Waltham-St-Lawrence.”
Sanford Lane is also currently closed and there is flooding across Dinton Pastures.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents to take care following heavy rainfall this week which has led to multiple flood warnings and alerts in force across the South East, including Berkshire.
Flooding can happen very quickly so it’s important to know how to prepare.
Find out whether your area has been given a flood alert or flood warning.
- If you are driving, please do not attempt to drive through flood water. Just 30cm of moving flood water is enough to make your car float and potentially move you into deeper water where you could become stranded.
- Avoid walking near rivers or lakes if water levels are high and, if your journey does take you near water, watch your step and stay as far from the water’s edge as you can. Following heavy rain, riverbanks can become unstable.
- Ensure good ventilation if using portable indoor heating appliances to dry out indoor spaces – do not use petrol or diesel generators or other similar fuel-driven equipment indoors: the exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide which can kill.
- Do not turn on gas or electrics if they have got wet – only turn them on when they have been checked by a qualified technician.
- Do not move or ignore road closures signs – they are there for your safety, so please do not ignore them.
- If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Over the weekend, it is forecast that temperatures will drop. The cold weather can often lead to frozen ponds and waterways including, canals, rivers, and lakes. Although frozen water may look enticing, it is very dangerous and can have fatal consequences. Ice can easily break and you do not know how thin the ice you are standing on is or how deep the water is below.
Falling into freezing cold water can then cause cold water shock. Cold water shock refers to the reaction of the body to entering cold water. Cold water shock can have a dramatic effect on your body. It can cause you to breathe in water, weaken your muscles, and cause your heart to go into abnormal rhythms. For more ice safety, visit: rbfrs.co.uk/your-safety/cold-weather-advice.
For more advice on what to do to prepare and during a flood, visit: gov.uk/help-during-flood.
Photos by Paul King