Hertfordshire has been battered by heavy rain, resulting in widespread flooding and causing major disruptions across the county. From road closures to business shutdowns, residents and commuters alike are facing the consequences of the downpours.
Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue has received numerous calls regarding flooding, urging residents to only call 999 if there is an immediate risk to life.
Road Closures and Traffic Disruptions
The torrential rain has led to several road closures across Hertfordshire, causing significant traffic disruptions. In Hitchin, Cambridge Road was closed due to flooding, prompting North Hertfordshire Police to advise motorists to seek alternative routes.
The A505 in Hitchin, Elton Way in Watford, and the A404 between Chorleywood and Rickmansworth were also closed for safety reasons.
Flooding Impacts Businesses
Businesses have not been spared from the effects of the flooding. In Hemel Hempstead, Two Waters Road has been flooded for the second time in a week, with water reaching the entrance of B&Q.
The flooding has also impacted Gadesbridge Park, causing significant disruption and leading to the cancellation of an event scheduled for the following weekend.
Flooding in Watford
Watford has been particularly hard hit by the flooding, with roads and businesses forced to close.
Flooding on the A41 near Costco has caused major traffic disruption, with police advising drivers to avoid the area.
Supermarket Closure
A Sainsbury's store in Watford's Dome roundabout has been forced to close due to flooding, with staff confirming that the store will be closed for the day. The parking spaces surrounding the store are also filled with water.
The store reopened later in the day, with Sainsbury's issuing an apology for any inconvenience caused.
Impact on Public Transport
The heavy rain has also impacted public transport in the area. The London Overground between Euston and Watford Junction has been suspended due to flooding, with tickets being accepted on bus services. The Abbey Line has also experienced disruptions, with services between St Albans Abbey and Watford Junction suspended until midday.
Flood Warnings and Precautions
The Environment Agency has issued flood alerts for the rivers Gade and Bulbourne, warning those in low-lying land in Croxley Green, Hunton Bridge, and Kings Langley to take precautions.
Hertfordshire County Council has received over 260 reports of flooding since Saturday morning, with Letchworth, Hitchin, Harpenden, and St Albans being the worst affected areas. The council has urged residents to report issues promptly and to take precautionary steps to protect their property and stay safe.
Ongoing Weather Warnings
Despite the recent downpours, the wet weather is expected to continue. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain for Watford, starting at midnight and lasting for the rest of the day. The forecaster predicts that some areas could see up to 30 to 50 mm of rain in two to three hours, and potentially 40 to 60 mm in four to six hours.
The Met Office has also issued an amber weather warning for rain for western and northern parts of Hertfordshire, with a yellow warning covering the rest of the county. These warnings are in place until midnight, and Hertfordshire County Council crews are monitoring the situation closely.
A Call for Vigilance
As the heavy rain continues, residents and commuters are urged to be vigilant and to take precautions to stay safe. This includes monitoring weather updates, avoiding flooded areas, and being aware of potential hazards on the roads.
This latest bout of flooding serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of Hertfordshire to extreme weather events and highlights the importance of preparedness and community collaboration in mitigating the impact of such events.
Looking Ahead
The flooding in Hertfordshire is a stark reminder of the impact that climate change is having on our communities. The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are expected to increase in the coming years, and we must be prepared to adapt and build resilience in our communities. This includes investing in infrastructure to better manage flood risk, promoting sustainable practices to mitigate climate change, and supporting those most vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather events.
A Call to Action
As we move forward, it is essential that we work together to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities in the face of these increasing challenges. We can do this by staying informed, supporting our local authorities, and working together to build a more resilient and sustainable future.
