Thunderstorms in North West Essex

Group Manager Mark Eaglestone said:

“Our Control team have been inundated with calls related to heavy thunderstorms and flash flooding in North West Essex this afternoon.

“Firefighters from across the County have been working very hard to help as many people as possible who are experiencing flooding to their homes particulary in the Chigwell and Harlow areas.

“We are prioritising incidents which involve vulnerable members of the community and flooded properties with serious safety concersn such as where water is affecting electrics.

If you or someone you know is currently experiencing flooding to their home our advice is:

• If possible block your doorway as best you can to stop water entering your home
• Move yourself and any personal belongings upstairs
• Do not try to walk or drive through flood water – the roadway may be damaged and it is very common for man holes to be displaced during floods which pose an extra risk
• If the flooding is not affecting residential properties, please call your local authority to help
• The fire service are unable to provide sandbags

“We are expecting the rain to reduce within the next hour, but there will still be a substaintial amount of standing water so more flooding is possible. We will continue to help as many people as possible.”