Police are warning motorists to ‘only travel if necessary’ due to floods across Wiltshire.
Dozens of roads across the county are closed due to being submerged by floodwater this morning (Friday), with major disruption expected to journeys.
A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “We are currently receiving a considerable number of calls regarding flooding and the weather across the county.
“Please only travel if you need to. If you find a flooded road and you are not stuck then please contact the council.
“Flooding can be reported to the local authority by visiting their websites, which also provide further information on where to access help.”
Many pedestrian routes are flooded too, so not only motorists are affected. Numerous train lines are also blocked.
Due to flooding, trains aren’t running between Swindon and Bristol Parkway, Reading and Castle Cary, and Liskeard and Looe.
A spokesperson for Great Western Railway said: “We’re experiencing significant disruption on the network. Please CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL.
“Flooding and a serious incident near Reading last night, which involved police taking control of the line, has left trains and crew in the wrong place.
“We’re sorry for the disruption customers experienced. Short-notice cancellations and a reduced level of service on long-distance routes are expected throughout the day.”
“Only attempt to drive through flood water if you know it’s not too deep and maintain a steady, slow speed to avoid creating a bow wave”, the AA said.
“The air intake on many cars is low down at the front and just an egg cupful of water in the combustion chamber is enough to wreck an engine.”
You should never:
- Enter flood water that is moving or more than 10 centimetres (four inches) deep
- Drive fast through standing water
- Prop the bonnet open while you wait for help to arrive
You should always:
- Test your brakes as soon as you can after leaving the water
- Use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced
- Drive slowly and steadily to avoid creating a bow wave
- Use a low gear so the engine revs are higher when moving slowly
