Lincoln hit by flooding as roads blocked and rivers burst

People in and around Lincoln woke to submerged roads and flooded properties after relentless rain battered the city for over 24 hours.

Some homes in the Cherry Willingham area have been flooded overnight, as well as other locations around the county, and many paths and areas surrounding the Brayford Pool and River Witham are under water.

Lincolnshire Police said on Friday afternoon to avoid the Brayford Wharf North area due to flooding. There is also a closure in place at the end of Lucy Tower Street. Keep up-to-date with the latest information from police by following their Force Control Room on Twitter @FCR_Lincs

Follow our live coverage today for the latest news on travel disruption, flood alerts and weather warnings:

On the roads

3pm, Friday, November 8: Roads in the Brayford Wharf North and adjacent to the River Witham have been impacted by further rain and river swelling.

The A46 is closed between the Laceby roundabout and Markt Rasen due to floodwater along the route. Lincolnshire County Council’s highways department has warned drivers to avoid the road and to use the A18-A16-A157 or the A18-M180-A15 as an alternative route.

The A631 is also closed from Caenby Corner to Market Rasen because of flooding at Bishopsbridge. Traffic is being diverted via the A15 (south to Lincoln) then the A46 up to Market Rasen (please note the A46 is closed north of Market Rasen).

The A1 has been shut off northbound between the B6325 Great North Road and Vicarage Lane, causing up to 16 miles of traffic.

Rail disruption

Flooding in the north of the country has led to delays across the rail network.

Northern warned that the Gainsborough/Lincoln to Sheffield line would be unable to run. There was no estimate for when the service would return.

Flooded Lincoln

Burst river banks have slowly encroached on homes and businesses in the city centre. Thankfully the dry and sunny start to Friday means levels are currently stable.

Flood warnings

There are 111 government flood warnings in place this morning across the UK, and 113 less serious flood alerts.

A flood warning, meaning flooding is expected and immediate action is required, has been issued for the River Witham and associated Fens from Washingborough to Metheringham.

The warning reads:

“Heavy rain has been falling over Lincolnshire throughout Thursday and into Friday night, and this has caused river levels to rise rapidly in the River Witham.

“The rising river levels have already caused flooding of low lying land and roads in the upper reaches of the Witham and its tributaries, and due to the deteriorating conditions we now expect properties in the lower River Witham from Washingborough to Metheringham to be affected from 7am on Friday 8 November onwards.

“Low lying properties near the river are most at risk. Remain safe and be aware of your local surroundings.

“Please avoid contact with flood water. Our staff are out in the area to check the flood defences, clear blockages, and assist the emergency services and council. We will be closely monitoring the situation and this message will be updated on Friday evening or as the situation changes.”

A flooding alert is also in place for Lincoln watercourses, where water levels are being constantly monitored.

Emergency services hard at work

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue and other emergency services have been working to pump water from flooded properties in Cherry Willingham, Gainsborough and Sturton by Stow.