Essex Fire and Rescue respond to dozens of incidents as heavy rain hits county

Our local fire service attended around 70 incidents yesterday

Flooding in Buckhurst Hill
Author: Matt SoanesPublished 18th Aug 2022

Essex Fire and Rescue says it dealt with around 70 incidents of flooding in the space of three hours yesterday, as heavy downpours hit the county.

Areas affected included the Epping Forest district, Chelmsford, Braintree and Halstead.

Roads, homes and businesses were flooded after the Met Office issued an amber warning about storms and heavy rain.

Firefighters from Waltham Abbey, Epping and Loughton were brought in to pump water our of Rous Road and Boxted Road in Buckhurst Hill last night (August 17).

Pumps in Buckhurst Hill

Shops and businesses were affected by flooding in Bridge Street and BlueBridge Industrial Estate in Halstead.

A car got stuck in flood water in Colchester Road, also in Halstead, with two people being helped to safety by firefighters.

Station Manager Pete Donovan said: “Don’t risk driving through a flooded road, it takes less water than you think for a car to float and become out of control on the water. Instead turn around and find another route.”

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