Parts of Wokingham Borough are beginning to flood today, with roads closed, water levels rising rapidly and emergency services urging residents to stay away from floodwater.
At Lands End Lane in Charvil, floodwater has reached nearly six feet deep, according to visible marker posts on site. The road has now been closed in both directions, with emergency services attending and advising both pedestrians and drivers not to go anywhere near the water.
Photos from the scene show the scale of the flooding, with water covering the carriageway and surrounding land, making the route completely impassable.
Cars Driving Through Floodwater on Waingels Road
Elsewhere, conditions are also deteriorating. On Waingels Road, photos show cars continuing to drive through standing floodwater, some at speed, despite the obvious risks.
Driving through floodwater can cause vehicles to lose control, stall suddenly, or be swept into deeper areas. Even shallow-looking water can damage engines and electrics, leaving drivers stranded in dangerous conditions.
Emergency services have repeatedly warned that floodwater is often deeper than it appears and can hide fast currents, debris, open drains or damage to the road surface.
Weather Conditions Behind the Flooding
The flooding follows a day of persistent and sometimes heavy rain across Berkshire, with already saturated ground unable to absorb further rainfall. Local drainage systems are under pressure, leading to surface water flooding on low-lying roads.
Unsettled weather conditions are expected to continue, meaning further flooding cannot be ruled out.
Safety Advice for Residents
Emergency services are advising residents to:
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Avoid flooded roads entirely, whether walking or driving
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Do not attempt to drive through floodwater, even if others appear to be doing so
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Follow road closures and warning signs
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Keep children and pets well away from floodwater
Floodwater may also be contaminated and can pose serious health risks.
📸 Photos by Paul King, who braved the wet weather to capture the scenes for MyWokingham.
Bad Weather Brings Potholes
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Might be handy to know where the potholes are to avoid them!
Michele Gibbs you would need a big map I fear lol !
CynthiaLeon Sharp sadly so true 🙁
If the drains in Waingels Road had been cleared out after the oak leaf drop, I don’t think it would have remained flooded for as long.
Don’t be a numpty and try to drive through flooded areas. You don’t know how deep it is or what is underneath. Better to be safe than damage your car. You might not be insured if you flood the engine.
Don’t let your kids paddle in the raw sewages