Flooding updates

This information was last updated on Thursday, 26 September at 6pm.

Following storms in the area, some towns and villages are experiencing flooding.

If the flood is posing a danger to life or injury, contact The Fire and Rescue Service on 999.

If you or someone you know is vulnerable and needs assistance, contact our emergency helpline number 0300 300 8500. Please note, this is not to request sandbags or aquasacs.

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.

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.

Community Emergency Hub opened in Sandy

Sandy Town Council Offices are open as a Community Emergency Hub and place of safety and for information until 9:30pm on Thursday 26 September.

The address is 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy, SG19 1JE.

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.

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.

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.

View school closures

School transport update following rain/flooding

Due to the severe weather conditions, school transport has been impacted greatly. The A421 remains closed which will affect all transport in that area. Operators have agreed to attempt the routes today, using diversions which may affect the timings of the routes. 

If a transport provider is unable to offer school transport they will contact our transport team. We will then update the schools. If the operator has your contact details they will make contact directly. 

Leisure centres

Leisure centres are open and can be used by residents as a space to go to.

Flood alerts and warnings

Flood alerts are used to pre-warn for different levels of impending flooding. You can check for the latest flood alerts on the Government website.

A flood alert means flooding is possible, be prepared. A flood warning means flooding is expected, take action. A severe flood warning is used when there is a significant risk to life or significant disruption to communities.

If serious flooding occurs, we will open assistance centres nearby for residents affected and evacuated. We will update this page and our social media channels with this information.

Stay up to date

If you haven’t already done so, you should:

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

What to do if your property has been flooded

Recovering from a flood can be challenging, but following these important steps will help you navigate the process and protect your safety:

Contact your insurance company

Get in touch with your insurer as soon as possible to report the flood and arrange for a loss adjuster to assess the damage.

Ensure safety before returning

Before entering your property, confirm with emergency services that it is safe to return. Floodwaters can hide dangers like contaminated water, structural issues, or electrical hazards.

Handle property clean-up safely

When cleaning your property, always use protective equipment such as gloves and masks. Follow safety guidelines from local authorities and waste management services when disposing of damaged items.

Renters: notify your landlord

If you're renting, inform your landlord and contact your contents insurance provider to discuss next steps.

Record and manage damage

Take photographs or videos of the damage and keep an inventory of all affected belongings. Document all communications with your insurance company and any repair or disposal actions.

For more in-depth information on flood recovery, including safety, waste disposal, and dealing with insurers, visit the National Flood Forum’s website.

Tell us about the impact of flooding

It’s important that we continue collecting information about the impacts of the flooding. You can help by providing information by completing this questionnaire. Find out more about this survey from the Environment Agency.