A major authority has issued a major flood warning to drivers this morning impacting thousands of commuters as Storm Bert continues to cause havoc.
Worcester City Council warned motorists not to drive to work today as parts of the city continue to be impacted by flooding with roads and car parks being shut off.
Yesterday the council was forced to shut numerous areas including Pitchcroft car park due to the nearby racecourse flooding due to rising water levels in the River Severn.
In a new update, the council warned drivers on social media, saying: “Please do not drive through flood water on your way to work this morning. The flood water is still rising and may be deeper than it appears. Safety first! Please use city car parks away from the river, like St Martin’s Gate. Stay safe and take care!”
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Drivers across the country are still dealing with serious flooding
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The council urged motorists to park at higher ground at St Martin’s car park as Newport Street and Cattle Market car parks get impacted by the adverse weather.
A spokesperson for the council said: “We expect Newport Street car park to be completely underwater later today.
“While Cattle market does not normally flood, the entrances and exits are often submerged, and we always advise people not to drive through flood water as it risks damaging their car’s engine.”
Last night, the Government issued a “danger to life” flood warning for the River Nene at Billing Aquadrome and nearby business parks in Northampton.
The warning was due to the deep and fast-flowing water which remainsin the park, and which will continue to be “extremely hazardous” throughout the night.
The flooding and alerts service warned: “This means there is danger to life and you must act now. Call 999 if in immediate danger, follow advice from emergency services, keep yourself and your family safe. Severe flooding is expected to continue. Please evacuate the area.”
Meanwhile, Regtransfers CEO Mark Trimbee urged drivers across the country to take precautions and to ensure their car insurance is up-to-date.
He explained that car owners should plan ahead and not leave vehicles parked in low-lying areas where it’s “vulnerable, and never attempt to drive through floodwater – even if it looks shallow”.
He stated: “It takes just 30cm of water to make a car float, and the damage from water getting into your engine or electronics can be catastrophic.”
If a vehicle has already been caught in the flood, drivers should resist the urge to start it up, as this could cause “irreversible damage” he noted. Instead, they should get it checked by a professional before doing anything else.
Drivers should also check that insurance policies cover flood-related issues as Storm Bert unleashed more than 80 per cent of November’s average rainfall in under 48 hours.
Torrential rain and strong winds have also led to major transport routes being among the hardest hit with drivers being affected.
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The Government has issued severe flood warnings across England
GOV.UK
Trimbee urged: “Stay safe, keep an eye on weather alerts, and take precautions now – a little effort could save you a lot of hassle in the long run.”
