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Travel disruption as heavy rain causes flash floods

Adam Aikenand
Zoie O'Brien,in Ipswich
Jacob Ottaway/BBC A silver Mercedes-type car is being driven into deep water, underneath a railway bridge. Another car, which is dark in colour, is being driven away from the camera through the water. There are terrace or semi-detached houses in the background.Jacob Ottaway/BBC
Drivers tried to navigate flooding at Wherstead Road in Ipswich

Ipswich has been hit by flooding and travel disruption following heavy rain.

Suffolk County Council's highways team said flash flooding was localised and advised people to get in touch if the situation persisted.

Some bus services were diverted as a result, and motorists were seen getting their cars stuck in water in Wherstead Road.

In a statement, Anglian Water said: "We are aware of reports of flooding in the Rope Walk area of Ipswich and understand how concerning that can be for customers."

Zoie O'Brien/BBC A town centre junction where much of the road is underwater. There are people standing in the road on one of the dry sections.Zoie O'Brien/BBC
The area around the University of Suffolk was affected

"The intense rainfall we've seen can overwhelm surface water drainage very quickly, which can lead to flash flooding," said the Anglian Water spokesperson.

"Our network is designed to manage this, and we'll continue to drain as the rain eases. We will keep monitoring the situation closely."

Jack Jennings was among the motorists whose cars became stranded in flood water in Wherstead Road.

"[My friends and I] were going to go the cinema, but obviously it's got a bit mucked up now, hasn't it?" said the 19-year-old, who added his car engine had cut out.

He watched on as other drivers navigated the flooding, splashing water over his stranded BMW X3 as they passed.

Jacob Ottaway/BBC A blue Ford car and a silver BMW car appear to be motionless in floodwater below a railway bridge. In the foreground is a green crocodile inflatable. In the background are some people and houses.Jacob Ottaway/BBC
Cars were caught in the flash flooding
Jamie Niblock/BBC Jack Jennings stands outside, with flood water under a railway bridge behind him. He wears black sunglasses, a jumper and has short brown hair.Jamie Niblock/BBC
Jack Jennings said he had tried calling police on 999, suggesting they close the road

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