WITH Storm Babet causing heavy rainfall across Warrington and Cheshire, motorists are being warned not to try and drive through any flood water, with some localised flooding reported in the Warrington area.
Cheshire Fire & Rescue are warning that if you must head out on the roads over the next 24 hours, be prepared for potential flooding of roads.
Take extra care, reduce your speed, and allow more time for the journey.
The Environment Agency is reporting there is a medium risk of flooding in the Warrington area today.
It’s likely that runoff from rainfall or blocked drains and overflowing rivers could cause properties and roads to flood.
Localised flooding has been reported on Oughtrington Lane at Lymm close to Lymm High School.
Cheshire Fire & Rescue offer the following advice for motorists:
Take it easy through standing water and if the steering does become unresponsive due to the rain, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.
Don’t try driving through fast-moving water such as at a flooded bridge approach – your car could easily be swept away.
Watch out for standing water, try to avoid it if you can, and adjust your speed to the conditions.
Driving fast through standing water is dangerous – tyres lose contact with the road and you lose steering control in what’s known as ‘aquaplaning’. If you do experience aquaplaning, hold the steering wheel lightly and lift off the throttle until the tyres regain grip.
Driving fast through standing water can cause expensive damage. The air intake on many cars is low down at the front of the engine bay and it only takes a small quantity of water sucked into the engine to cause serious damage. All engines are affected but turbo-charged and diesel engines are most vulnerable.
As you drive slowly through standing water, use a low gear so the engine revs are higher; water in the exhaust could otherwise damage the catalytic convertor.
If you break down in heavy rain don’t prop the bonnet open while you wait for the patrol to arrive. The engine will be more difficult to start again if the electrics are rain-soaked.
For the latest flooding updates CLICK HERE
If you have been affected by flooding in the Warrington area send your pictures and details to [email protected]
⛈️⚠️ Plan ahead if you’re travelling today, #StormBabet will change driving conditions.
🚗 If you’re driving, slow down and give more space between you and the vehicle in front – it’s harder for tyres to grip in wet weather. #WeatherReady #TRIP
▶️ https://t.co/xcYI86SRap pic.twitter.com/m4klC6dBTa
— National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) October 20, 2023
