Rain and wind brings flooding problems in Huddersfield
Nov 12 2010 Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Rain brings flooding problems in Huddersfield
DRIVERS had to contend with flooded roads as storms hit Huddersfield.
Problems developed on several roads including Fenay Lane, Birchencliffe Hill Road and Trinity Street.
The problems came as the town was battered by gales and heavy rain yesterday morning and into the evening.
And across the country, weather forecasters urged people to batten down the hatches with gales and storms predicted.
At Fenay Bridge, Kirklees highways engineers had to clear blocked drains as flood waters of more than 12ins made conditions hazardous for drivers.
At Birchencliffe, water gathered in the dip of the hill near the Armitage’s Garden Centre.
Fire officers reported no serious flood problems but said they had been warned of worsening weather overnight.
Salendine Nook weather expert Paul Stevens – who had predicted ‘The Perfect Storm’ – said: “Between midnight on Wednesday and 8am yesterday we had 11mm of rain, with a further 5mm falling in a downpour between 8am and 11am.
“More showers were likely through the night but the big problems will be the winds. Gusts yesterday topped 56mph and there are more on the way.”
Britain was battered by strong winds and heavy rain throughout yesterday as storms broke over the country.
Wind speeds of more than 70mph were recorded, with forecasters predicting the worst of the gales would hit northern England, north Wales, southern Scotland and Northern Ireland from around 6pm.
Strong cross winds around the Dartford crossing led to the closure of the QEII bridge for “safety reasons”, a spokesman for the Highways Agency said.
The Agency also urged drivers across the north of England to check conditions before they take to the road.
Drivers of high-sided vehicles, caravans and motorbikes were meanwhile advised to take extra care when travelling due to the increased risk of vehicles being blown over.
