This information was last updated on Saturday, 28 September at 10:30pm.
Met Office reports indicate record-breaking amounts of rain this month in Bedfordshire – not just for September but for any month on record – and Central Bedfordshire has been the hardest hit of any neighbouring local authority area.
Although the rain has eased, the water continues to flow down the watercourses and further flooding is expected in some parts of Central Bedfordshire. Check for the latest flood alerts in the area on the Government website. Visit the Met Office website for the latest weather warnings. More information and advice about what to do in a flood is available on our website.
If the flood is posing a danger to life or injury, contact The Fire and Rescue Service on 999.
Assistance centres
There are currently no assistance centres open.
Our leisure centres can be used by residents as a space to go to during opening hours.
Vulnerable residents
If you or someone you know is vulnerable and needs assistance, contact our emergency helpline number 0300 300 8500. Please note, that this is not to request sandbags or aquasacs.
Data collection
It’s important that we continue collecting information about the impacts of the flooding. You can help by providing information via the form on this page.
Stay up to date
If you haven’t already done so, you should:
- check your flood risk
- sign up for flood warnings
- keep up to date with the latest situation - call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on X (Twitter) for the latest flood updates
Leaving your property
If you choose not to leave your property:
- turn off gas, water and electricity
- collect personal belongings together, including insurance and bank details and essential telephone numbers, and keep them in a waterproof bag
- move valuables and sentimental items upstairs or to a high place downstairs
- keep a separate list of useful telephone numbers to hand (this should include insurance company and Floodline - 0345 988 1188)
- if possible, move electrical equipment and furniture upstairs
- any furniture that you cannot move upstairs, try to raise well off the floor
- alert neighbours and assist the elderly, infirm and those with small children
- block doorways, low windows and air bricks
- if you leave your home avoid walking and driving through floodwater; there could be hidden hazards
- keep up to date via Floodline - 0345 988 1188, information will also be shared with local media
Emotional support
Experiencing flooding can be highly stressful and upsetting. It's important to look after your wellbeing as well as your physical health. If you need emotional support or someone to talk to, there are various support agencies you can contact.
Your mental health is as important as your physical health. You will not be wasting anyone's time.
Problems on the roads
Roads across the area are likely to have excess water on them and some flooding is possible. In an emergency, urgent highways issues can be reported to our 24-hour emergency team on 0300 300 8049.
Do not attempt to drive, cycle or walk through flood water - it can be deeper than it looks. If you are driving through heavy rain turn your headlights on and leave twice as much space between you and the car in front - it takes longer to stop in the wet.
We are experiencing a high number of customer requests due to recent flooding. Our team is prioritising these, with life-threatening situations taking top priority. We appreciate your patience as we work through these requests.
School transport
Due to the severe weather conditions, school transport has been impacted greatly.
School closures
Head Teachers will decide whether their school can open based on their circumstances. They will inform parents and guardians about closures through their usual communication channels. Headteachers are also asked to update our school closure system after parents and guardians have been notified.
Homelessness
If you have been made homeless due to flooding, you can call 0300 300 4370 for advice. In some cases, if you are homeless due to flooding with no other options, such as friends or family, we may be able to offer temporary accommodation. If you are privately renting, we advise speaking to your landlord first, who may have insurance in place. If you are a council tenant, please contact your housing manager. Homeowners should speak to their insurance companies first.
Waste collections
Recent flooding and diverted traffic continue to cause delays to some kerbside collections. If your bin is missed, please leave it out for collection the next day. Household Waste Recycling Centres remain open.