Firefighters still on ground in Wellingborough and Kettering after a month’s rainfall fell in just ONE HOUR

The flooding generated a surge in demand for the emergency services
Water flooded through the town centre this afternoon after flash floodingWater flooded through the town centre this afternoon after flash flooding
Water flooded through the town centre this afternoon after flash flooding

Firefighters have received sixty emergency flood calls after torrential rain caused significant damage to homes and business in Wellingborough and Kettering.

Weather monitors in Wellingborough suggest a month’s worth of rainfall had fallen in just an hour during the height of the rain this afternoon (Sunday, August 16).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A statement from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue tonight said: “Firefighters continue to tackle flooding caused by heavy rainfall in and around the Wellingborough and Kettering areas of the county.

“Since 4:30pm today, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service have received over 60 calls in connection with flooding in the county.”

Group Commander Kev Hardwick, said: “Thankfully, no one has been injured as a result of the flooding but I would strongly encourage people in the affected areas to be mindful of driving conditions overnight.

“At the moment, we would advise against non-essential journeys however, if your journey is absolutely essential, please be aware of water on the roads and the dangers associated with that, including aquaplaning.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Six of our appliances remain at the scene of the floods with firefighters continuing to pump water out of both residential and commercial properties.

“Finally I’d like to thank local residents who have been very patient and cooperative as we’ve dealt with this incident.”

Northamptonshire Weather, which monitors the county’s weather conditions, said tonight on social media that a weather station in the town centre recorded 45mm of rain between 4.10pm and 5.10pm, which is the same as the average monthly August rainfall.

More thunderstorms are forecast for tomorrow, with further risk of flash flooding. The met office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning until 9pm tomorrow (Monday, August 17).