TORRENTIAL overnight rain has caused floods around Rugby borough.
Water up to a metre deep has built up around flood-defence walls at houses in Brafield Leys which back onto the Ashlawn fields, and is flowing into the street.
Yelvertoft high street was completely waterlogged, prompting a water rescue boat to take to the street and ferry stranded villagers back and forth.
Flood waters a foot deep flowed into roads, driveways and gardens in Draycote after the brook which winds through the hamlet burst its banks.
Draycote resident Ioan Morgan said the flooding occured last night and this morning despite the implementation of an expensive flood alleviation scheme some two years ago.
Observer reader Pete Mistry said it was ‘getting a little too close for comfort’ at Waterside Drive, which backs on to the River Avon, as water levels continued to rise through the morning.
Fire and rescue services have attended incidents in Kenilworth, Princethorpe, Baginton, Stoneleigh, Gaydon, Wolston, Wellesbourne, Great Alne and Hampton on the Hill.
Warwickshire Police said emergency calls from midnight to 12.30pm increased by over 223 per cent, and warned drivers to allow extra time for journeys as roads are busy and several have flooded.
They also warned drivers not to drive through flood water whenever possible, after a number of cars became stranded this morning.
Floods have been reported on the Fosse Way near Wolston, at the Sainsbury’s roundabout on Dunchurch Road, and parts of the A445 near Ryton-Upon-Dunsmore and Bubbenhall.
Many rail commuters were stranded at the town’s train station after flooding affected London Midland trains – meaning replacement bus services are running from Rugby.
Severe flooding at tunnels near Crick, Long Buckby and Kilsby affected train services between London Euston and Birmingham New Street.
Network Rail have been pumping water from two tunnels and a number of other sites to try and return services to normal as quickly as possible.
Speed restrictions have been put in place to keep trains safely running through the affected areas but this has led to longer journeys and some cancellations.
A Network Rail spokesman said: “Our staff are on site and closely monitoring the water levels in all these areas while doing everything possible to reduce the impact on trains as much as possible.
“Safety is the number one priority which is why temporary speed restrictions have been put in place which allow trains to keep moving through the affected areas.
“We are working closely with Virgin Trains and London Midland to minimise the impact as much as possible and return services to a normal timetable as quickly as possible.”
Visit www.nationalrail.co.uk for the latest rail information.
Visit http://floodalerts.com/?id=96777 for the latest flood alerts.
