Bedfordshire flooding today sees roads closed and alerts issued in Luton, Dunstable and elsewhere

Flood alerts and warnings across Bedfordshire
-Credit: (Image: Environment Agency)


Areas of Bedfordshire have been hit by flooding following heavy rain and thunderstorms today (Sunday, September 22). The Environment Agency has flood alerts in place and food warnings in place for areas including Luton as more wet weather is forecast.

A Central Bedfordshire Council spokesperson said: "Following storms in the area Dunstable, Flitwick, Cranfield and Marston Moretaine are experiencing flooding. Please avoid walking, cycling or driving through any flood water. There is advice on our website on what to do and how to report."

There are road closures on High Street, Dunstable and the A421 in Kempston due to flooding - with the latter having closed on Sunday morning only to reopen briefly before being shut again. Inrix, the traffic data company, said: "A5183 High Street South in both directions blocked due to flooding from A505 High Street North to The Square. Approach with care.

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"A421 Southbound blocked due to flooding from A6 The Branston Way (Marsh Leys Roundabout, Kempston) to Beancroft Road ( Marston Moretaine ).

"A5 in both directions closed due to flooding from A4012 Leighton Road (Hockliffe) to A4146 (Mcdonalds roundabout, Little Brickhill)."

Bedfordshire Police has urged motorists to avoid both roads. A spokesperson said: "Dunstable High Street South is currently closed around the KFC area due to substantial flooding. Please avoid the area and take alternative routes.

"The A421 is currently closed westbound between the A6 and Marston Moretaine due to substantial flooding."

A police spokesperson added: "We have multiple road closures due to flash floods. The A421 is closed in both directions from junction 13 of the M1 to the junction for the A6 at Marsh Leys. The A5/Woburn Road junction at Hockliffe is also completely closed. Please find alternative routes and avoid the areas."

A Bedfordshire Police spokesperson said: "We are aware of the multiple issues the weather is causing across the county tonight. Please only call us if there is an immediate threat to life or crime in progress. All emergency services and council teams are working as quickly as possible to help those affected but our priority will be the vulnerable. Please stay clear of flooded roads and affected areas."

A National Highways spokesperson said the A421 and A5 are expected to remain closed throughout the night.

As of 10.30pm on Sunday, flood alerts - which mean flooding is possible and people should be prepared - are in force for the following areas:

  • River Lee at Luton, Harpenden including Wheathampstead and East Hyde - New Bedford Road; Mill Street; King Edward Place; Kingfisher Close.

  • River Ivel from Langford to Blunham, including the rivers Purwell, Hiz, Flit and Hit.

  • River Ouzel from Leighton Buzzard to Willen, including Clipstone Brook and Water Eaton Brook.

Four flood warnings, which are more serious than flood alerts and mean flood is expected are also in force.

The first is for the River Lee at Luton. It states: "River levels are rising rapidly due to heavy rainfall today, Sunday 22nd September. Rainfall will continue overnight into Monday 23rd September.

"Flooding is expected when river levels are at their highest this evening and early morning. Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the Lee, with low lying land and roads expected to be most affected, particularly around Luton; Dukes Ride; Queens Court; Popes Court; Neville Road; Midhurst Garden; Brooklands Close; Montague Close; Brocket Court; Lemsford Court; The Hedgerows; Mallard Gardens; New Bedford Road.

"The risk of flooding is expected to reduce from the morning. Residents are strongly urged to take action now. Remain safe and be aware of your surroundings. Monitor local water levels and weather conditions. Consider putting your flood plan into action. You should avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water."

The second is for the River Ivel at Langford. It states: "Areas most at risk are Langford Garden Centre, Common Road, High Street, Riverside Gardens, Wilmon Court, Ivel Close and Mill Lane.

"Further rainfall is expected over the next 24 hours which will keep river levels high and could also lead to some surface water problems. Take care on riverside roads and footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. Our workforce are out checking flood defences and clearing weed screens."

Another is in force for River Ouzel at Leighton Buzzard, Stoke Hammond and Great Brickhill on the Bedfordshire/Buckinghamshire border. Areas most at risk are Globe Lane in Leighton Buzzard, Stapleford Mill, Bragenham Side in Stoke Hammond and Mill Lane in Great Brickhill.

The final flood warning is for low lying areas close to Clipstone Brook at Leighton Buzzard. This covers areas including Aries Court, North Star Drive, Carina Drive, Hockcliffe Road, Capshill Avenue, Waterdell, South Street, Lovent Drive, Steppingstone Place, Billington Road and Grovebury Road in Leighton Buzzard.

Met Office yellow weather warnings for rain remain in force for Bedfordshire and surrounding counties until 11.59pm on Monday (September 23).