Downpour causes rush hour floods

Alex Gore • Published 13 Nov 2009 10:22 1 Comment

MORNING rush hour can be bad enough without having to do this.

With up to 15mm of rain falling overnight this section of the Bath Road in Reading, opposite Calcot Golf Course, flooded and blocked the westbound carriageway.

Calcot resident Chris Giles said: "I have been campaigning about this for more than a year.

"The flooding occurs because the drains are not cleared regularly enough. West Berkshire Council only seem to take action after something like this has happened."

Norcot Road in Tilehurst also suffered from the downpour, which caused around a foot of water to cover both carriageways near the junction with Blundells Road.

Last night puddles also built up on the A4 between Reading and Newbury and on the M4 Motorway between Reading and Maidenhead with drivers being urged to take extreme caution.

The downpour also caused flooding in parts of Tilehurst Road, Portman Road,

Oxford Road and Cow Lane in west Reading.

The Environment Agency said this morning that there had been no "major instances" of flooding in and around Reading and that no flood warnings are in force.

With forecasters predicting inland gales of up to 75mph over the weekend, Peter Rodger, chief examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists warned motorways will be particularly hazardous.

Mr Rodger said: "Not only are strong side winds and rain predicted, there will be the inevitable local flooding that follows from drains blocked by leaves. These conditions can challenge even experienced drivers."

The IAM advises:

Heavy rain: watch for shiny patches that are lying water; give yourself a longer gap to other traffic, and be ready to slow down when you need to; keep the demister working; don't soak pedestrians or cyclists by running through puddles.

Flooding: lower your speed right down and choose the shallowest route available, use the middle of the road if that's where it is and you can. Use a low gear to keep revs high and control speed by slipping the clutch (beware that water could enter the exhaust, so keep the revs up). Make sure you can see the way out before you enter water, and if it is too deep, or too fast moving, don't risk it.

High winds: Slow down - you are more vulnerable to side winds at higher speeds. Give yourself more space, with plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front; take particular care when passing large vehicles and motorcycles, and be ready for side winds at gaps in buildings or as you come out of a cutting. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable to side winds.

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• 

  Mariella Foxtrott
  Unregistered User
  Nov 13, 19:55
  Report comment

  Wow! 15mm of rain - that should be enough to get my heal wet!
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

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