UK floods LIVE: Major rescue operation as minibus stranded – 3 warnings, 19 alerts

A4 in London experiences flooding after downpour

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Essex Fire and Rescue Service were called to Cow Watering Lane in Writtle after the passengers, all aged 16 to 25, became trapped in four feet (1.2m) of water. The service used inflatable boats to rescue everyone and said they were all “OK”. A total of 19 flood alerts have now been issued where people should be prepared for flooding and three flood warnings were flooding is expected.

Following the rescue crew manager Tom Whiteley warned people to “not risk” driving through flooded areas and urged them to find an alternative route. 

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Where is at risk?

A total of 19 flood alerts are in place up and down the UK, many of which are near rivers or the coast.

Warning to drivers in flooded areas

Crew manager Tom Whiteley went on to reveal that the flow of the water was what caused the minibus to go downstream.

He said: “It takes less water than you might think for a vehicle to float and become uncontrollable. The flow of the water this evening took the minibus downstream.

“Please take care on the roads, more wet weather is due and we anticipate more flooded roads. If you are not sure how deep the water is on the road, do not take the risk of driving through it. Turn around and find another route instead.”

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