FLOODS and torrential downpours struck this week, yet despite the April showers the area officially remained in drought.
Flood risk warnings were issued by the Environment Agency (EA) for areas along the length of the River Roding following heavy rainfall on Saturday night (April 28), and the river burst its banks in parts of the district including High Ongar, Abridge and Loughton.
Warnings were also issued for Cripsey Brook in the North Weald area.
The country’s wettest April in more than 100 years comes after two of the driest winters on record, but the rain has yet to fully hydrate the soil and bans on the use of hosepipes could remain in place for months.
With more rainfall forecast on Wednesday night (May 2), the flood risk warning for the Roding remains in place.
This is despite measures taken by the EA, including de-silting stretches of the Roding, to prevent a repeat of the devastating floods of 2000, which affected around 1,000 homes.
Joanne Foo runs the Roding Chinese Restaurant in the Market Place in Abridge.
She said: “About twelve years ago our restaurant flooded and it caused a lot of damage, it has not been that bad for a long time but if this continues much longer it will flood again.
“The river levels here are high and we are keeping a close eye on it.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel