Substation floods in Wainfleet overnight as county flooding chaos continues

A power substation in Wainfleet flooded overnight as constant rain continues to cause chaos in Lincolnshire.

A power substation in Matt Pit Lane flooded and Lincolnshire Police said on Thursday evening that they were visiting a small number of homes along with Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue. Some properties are still without power on Friday morning.

RAF crews, including a Chinook helicopter, also helped through the night to block a breach in a river bank which caused severe flooding. The River Steeping burst its banks at Wainfleet All Saints in Lincolnshire on Wednesday after two months worth of rain fell in two days.

A state of emergency was declared on Thursday with more than 70 properties in the town being flooded and residents evacuated.

Residents who live on Matt Pitts Lane, Brewster Lane and Hastings Drive were moved by the fire service to a place of safety.

At the time of writing 18 properties in Holbeach were perviously evacuated, with 22 people going to a rest centre. Only two properties were actually flooded. All crews are still helping people in Wainfleet and Coronation Hall is opened as a community centre.

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Latest from Lincolnshire Police

• The B1195 between Thorpe St Peter and Wainfleet was closed again on Friday morning due to flooding
• Police have spoken with residents in Matt Pit Lane and Matt Pit Court which are without power due to flooding at the substation. Police anticipate these properties may be without power until Friday afternoon
• If water has got into your property overnight or you think this has effected your electricity supply, don’t attempt to use any items. Call Western Power on 105 or 0800 6783105. Western Power will also be in the area from 8am checking on properties and work is ongoing at the power substation
• If you have decided to evacuate your home please call 01522 787034
• Emergency services are still working – please speak with officers about any concerns
• The RAF will continue to fly sand and ballast to repair the breach at River Steeping during the morning
• The Embassy Centre in Skegness remains open for those that need it
• To sign up for free flood warnings call 0345 988 1188
• Anglian Water have confirmed that the water is safe to drink, but please don’t enter flood water

Flood warnings

Flooding is expected with immediate action required in the following areas:

• Areas near the East and West Fen Catchwater and the Maud Foster Drain
• Great Steeping and Firsby
• Isolated properties and villages near the Great Eau, Long Eau and Woldgrift Drain
• River Bain and Haltham Beck in Haltham and Kirkby on Bain
• River Steeping in Wainfleet All Saints
• River Wreake at Frisby-on-the-Wreake

Flood alerts

In the following areas flooding is possible and it is advised to be prepared:

• Bain Catchment
• Barlings Eau and Duckpool Catchwater
• East and West Fens
• East and West Glens
• Lincolnshire East Coast Rivers
• Lincoln Watercourses
• Louth Canal and Waithe Beck
• Lower River Ancholme
• Lower River Witham
• Minor Watercourses of South Forty Foot Drain
• Rase and Upper Ancholme
• River Steeping
• River Wreake in Leicestershire
• Witham in North Kesteven
• Witham in South Kesteven

Today’s forecast

The weather forecast for Wainfleet on Friday, June 14. Photo: Met Office

The weather forecast for Lincoln on Friday, June 14. Photo: Met Office

Travel

There is some disruption on trains and buses on Friday, in particular train services between Boston and Skegness. Keep an eye on East Midlands Trains and Stagecoach East Midlands for updates.