At 8:36pm on Sunday, 24 November, we received reports of vehicles stuck in flood water on Station Road in Woolhampton, Reading.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews from Theale and Newbury fire stations, alongside the Animal and Water Rescue Unit from Caversham Road Fire Station were sent to the scene.
Upon arrival, crews found two cars that were stranded in flood water. One car was retrieved before their arrival, and crews retrieved the second car rescuing two people inside before handing over to Thames Valley Police to close the road.
They were on scene for approximately one hour and two minutes.
While there is a heightened risk of flooding, here is some key safety advice from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service:
- Do not drive through flood water. Just 30cm of water is enough to make your car float. If you come across a flooded road, turn around and find another route;
- Do not move or ignore road closures signs – they are there for your safety, so please do not ignore them;
- Give yourself more time to react while driving – reduced visibility and wet roads will increase your stopping distance in the event of an accident. In wet weather, the stopping distance will be at least double;
- Manholes may be dangerous – during flooding, it can be difficult to see what is under the water, but the rain can add pressure underneath the manholes;
- Check the tread and pressure of your tyres, that all your lights work and the condition of your windscreen and wipers before you set off.
For more advice, please visit: https://www.rbfrs.co.uk/your-safety/out-and-about/wet-weather-advice/