Flooding update
Floods cause road and rail problems – AA breakdown update
Floods cause road and rail problems – AA breakdown update
The AA is advising drivers to take extra care on the roads as heavy rain and strong winds create difficult driving conditions across many areas.
The wet weather has led to a sharp increase in breakdowns – around 40% busier – and flood water-related incidents.
The AA’s Special Operations flood rescue Land Rovers have been out working since the weekend as heavy rain causes localised flooding.
Latest
Wednesday 26 September
(As at 14:30)
AA has attended 144 cars driven through or stuck in flood water so far today and around 6,400 breakdowns nationally
- Breakdown workload eased off again but still 26% above average
- Flood cases more scattered today across northern England and Midlands
- AA Insurance reports 12% jump in motor claims due to weather
Claims update from AA Insurance
If your home or car has been affected by flooding, it is important to call the claims team on 0800 269 622 who will offer as much advice and support as they can.
The AA has received more than 40 claims for homes damaged by storm or flood in just two days. In addition, there was a 12% jump in motor claims on Tuesday (25/09), many associated with collisions in downpours and poor visibility as well as some cars swamped by floods.
Those in areas at risk of flooding should check the Environment Agency website for the latest information and sign up for free flood warnings or call the Environment Agency Flood Line on 0845 988 1188.
Tuesday 25 September
(As at 14:30)
AA has attended 230 cars driven through or stuck in flood water so far today and around 7,000 breakdowns nationally
- Breakdown workload slightly less than yesterday but still 37% above average
- North-east England bearing brunt of flood-related incidents, especially around Scotch Corner
- Specially trained AA flood rescue technicians working across affected areas
Monday 24 September
(As at 14:30)
- The AA has attended around 8,300 breakdowns nationally, including 239 flood water-related call-outs.
- Breakdowns are currently coming in at more than 1,000 every hour (peaking at more than 1,400 this morning), and
- The AA expects to attend around 15,000 for the day, compared to around 10,500 on an average Monday.
- South-west and West Midlands busiest areas
- Specially trained AA flood rescue technicians working across country
don’t risk entering flood water as not only is it hard to tell how deep it is but it often has hidden dangers like debris and dislodged manhole covers
Darron Burness, AA head of special operations
Comment
Darron Burness, the AA’s Head of Special Operations, says: “Heavy rain and surface spray has made for some challenging driving conditions with visibility severely reduced at times.
“Drop back from the vehicle in front, keep your speed down and watch out for standing water. If the steering becomes unresponsive due to the rain, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.
“Also don’t risk entering flood water as not only is it hard to tell how deep it is but it often has hidden dangers like debris and dislodged manhole covers.”
(Updated 27 September 2012)
