Check for flood warnings and alerts by town, city or postcode Check for flooding
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Current road closures due to flooding
- The A421 between the A6 and Marston Moretaine is closed.
- The A428 at Turvey is closed.
- Harrold, Oakley, Felmersham and Radwell bridges are closed until further notice. Advisory ‘Road Closed’ flood signs have been set in place to warn motorists.
Last updated: 12.59pm on Wednesday 25 September 2024.
Flood warnings are in place for
Areas close to the River Great Ouse at Wyboston, Eaton Socon, Eynesbury, Eaton Ford, and St Neots.
River Great Ouse at Odell – Areas most at risk are Horsefair Lane and Mill Lane in Odell.
River Great Ouse at Turvey – Areas most at risk are Bridge Street, Mill Lane, Cranes Close and Copymoor Farm in Turvey.
River Great Ouse at Harrold – Areas most at risk at The Green, Church Walk, High Street, Hall Close, Carlton Road and Harrold-Odell Country Park.
Flood alerts are in place for
Middle River Great Ouse in Milton Keynes, Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire – Areas most at risk are around the River Great Ouse from Newport Pagnell to Roxton.
Riseley Brook – Areas most at risk are around Riseley Brook from Riseley to Pertenhall.
How to prepare for a flood – Visit the Floodline on the GOV.UK website
- Put together an overnight bag in case you have to be evacuated
- Consider proactively protecting your property by protecting doorways and low level air vents with sandbags or plastic bags filled with sand or earth.
- Check on your neighbours, especially those who are elderly or infirm and inform the Emergency Services or Flood Warden of their location.
What to do during a flood
- Keep calm, if you are in danger dial 999 and/or attract attention of people nearby.
- Turn off water, gas and electricity supplies at the first sign of flooding in your property.
- If trapped, remain near a window where you can be seen.
- If the Emergency Services are on the scene, follow their instructions.
- Be prepared, you may need to be evacuated.
- Do not enter flood waters as depth and current can be deceiving. Just 6 inches (15cm) of flood water can knock an adult off their feet. The flood waters may also be contaminated with sewage and there may be hidden dangers.
- Move your family, pets and valuables upstairs or to higher ground if threatened by floods.
What to do after a flood
- Contact your insurer.
- Do not switch on gas or electricity until it is checked by a professional/and or utility company.
- Do not use food that has been in contact with flood water.
- Always wear waterproof gloves when handling soiled items, and always wash your hands if you touch anything soiled by the flood water.
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect all items soiled by flood water.
- Assume flood water contains sewage.
Sandbags and aqua-sacs
The protection of your property is a matter for you and ultimately it is your decision.
We would suggest, however, that you consider other flood defence products that have been proven to be more efficient and effective than sandbags. This video shows the use of aqua-sacs during flood conditions and the benefits of this product when compared to the use of traditional sand bags.
Our Flood Risk Team will assess the risk to property flooding and aqua-sacs or sandbags will only be deployed where there is an imminent risk of internal property flooding.
Our role during an emergency
- support the lead role of the emergency services
- support the local and wider community
- mitigate the effects of an emergency
- lead on the recovery (after the emergency)
Bedford Borough Council emergency number: 01234 718003 / 01234 267422