Call to motorists to heed flood warnings
Heavy rain across Warwickshire during the weekend and early this week has seen Warwickshire County Council’s highways team answer more than 100 emergency call outs to flooded properties and closed roads.
Roads have had to be closed due to flooding and four cars have been written off after becoming stranded in high water. Three cars became trapped trying to cross the ford near Kenilworth Castle, and one car was stranded attempting to negotiate the floodwaters near Hill Wootton.
Andrew Savage, Warwickshire County Council’s Operations Service Manager, said: “We’re certainly not at the emergency levels we were at in 1998 with the flooding in the county. Water levels are four feet down on that year. But we are advising motorists to be cautious, particularly on the county’s more rural roads.
“Motorists should not attempt to drive through river water where we have `Road Closed’ signs out. Cars have been written off as a result of trying to cross some flooded areas – cars easily float and become `barges’ in water.”
Warwickshire County Council’s maintenance teams are today continuing the clean up operation around the county, clearing debris and mud from roads. The mild winter has posed a number of challenges for the highway teams, such as the January gales with more than 200 trees brought down, February snow and March floods.
Public can help keep the roads safe by calling 01926 4121515 to report potholes, and other highway problems associated with the inclement weather.