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Flooding in the Anglia region

Details of flooding incidents across the Anglia region.

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Firefighters rescue schoolchildren trapped in flood water

Six schoolchildren have been rescued by firefighters after their bus became trapped in flood water in Essex.

The bus became stranded in flood water at Mill Hill in Farnham, Essex after the engine cut out. Credit: Essex Fire & Rescue Service

The bus was stuck in a flooded narrow lane at Farnham near Bishop's Stortford after a nearby stream overflowed following heavy rainfall overnight.

Leading Firefighter Dave Morland said: “The bus was in a narrow lane and had stopped to let a lorry go the other way. The water was deeper than he expected.

"It seems as the driver waited, water entered the exhaust, causing the bus problems and the engine cut out leaving the driver and his six passengers stranded.

"We carried the children to the water bank, they were all very brave and we were pleased to get them safely out pof their predicament quickly and safely. A local company took them into their office where they warmed up."

– Dave Morland, Essex Fire & Rescue Service

Further flooding causing problems on the roads and rails

There are travel problems on roads and railways in the Anglia region with continuing surface water flooding from the latest rainfall.

The A414 between Harlow and Hertford is down to a single lane. Credit: Beds, Cambs & Herts Roads Policing Unit

On the trains, there is disruption on the Stansted Express between Liverpool Street and Stansted Airport due to flooding between Elsenham and Audley End.

Abellio Greater Anglia says trains may be delayed by up to 45 minutes at short notice.

It's also affecting trains between Cambridge and Stansted.

Flood warning issued in Suffolk and Essex

The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning for the Haverhill and Steeple Bumpstead in Suffolk and Essex

A flood warning has been issued for Suffolk and Essex. Credit: Environment Agency

The flood warning covers Stour Brook at Haverhill & Sturmer and the Bumpstead Brook from Steeple Bumpstead to New England.

"River levels continue to rise due to last night's rain. Areas at immediate risk are at Haverhill and Sturmer. The peak of the river is now near Sturmer.

"River levels are likely to continue to rise slowly especially in the area of Haverhill. Over the last 6 hours the forecast is for light rain. Waterside properties are at risk in Haverhill, Broad Green and Sturmer, including the B1054, B1061 and the A143.

– Environment Agency

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Flood prone Fenland route is closed by rising waters again

The A1101 at Welney is prone to winter flooding - seen here in 2008 Credit: ITV Anglia

Rising waters in the Fens have forced the closure of a main road that's prone to winter flooding.

The Environment Agency says the Welney Causeway section of the A1101 has had to be closed because of water rising on the nearby Ouse Washes. It means long diversions for drivers: they're being urged not to ignore the road closed signs.

The Environment Agency Operations Team are monitoring rivers levels and working hard to ensure water can drain off the Washes as quickly as possible. As levels have been rising, we have been checking Welmore Lake Sluice on a daily basis to ensure that the Sluice is able to discharge as much water off the Ouse Washes as possible. Over the last week we have also undertaken some additional clearance of silt at Welmore Lake Sluice so that it is fully operational.

– Julie Foley, Area Manager

Further flood warnings issued in the Anglia region

Further flood warnings have been issued on rivers in the Anglia region following heavy rain.

There were three flood warnings and 17 of the less severe flood alerts in force on Thursday afternoon after a morning of heavy rain.

A van is stuck in flood water at Great Plumstead near Norwich. Credit: ITV News Anglia / Tony Aldous

There are three flood warnings in force in the Anglia region which mean flooding is expected and immediate action is required:

  • Northamptonshire: River Nene at Cogenhoe Mill Caravan Site and the Northampton Washland
  • Suffolk: Wrentham watercourse from, and including Wrentham to the coast
  • Suffolk: Chediston watercourse at Halesworth

Click here for the full list of flood alerts in the Anglia region

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