Hundreds of residents in Harrow woke up this morning to find themselves without water following a major burst water main in the area.
Public urged to avoid Wealdstone due to flooding
The incident has resulted in significant flooding, prompting the London Fire Brigade to issue a statement advising the public to avoid Wealdstone until the situation is under control.
According to the London Fire Brigade, the flooding occurred on Wealdstone High Street, and emergency services swiftly responded to the scene. Four fire engines and approximately 25 firefighters were dispatched to tackle the flooding, which was caused by a 24-inch water main bursting.
The water levels reached a depth of around 30cm, affecting an estimated 10 shops along the affected stretch, spanning from Locket Road to Masons Avenue.
Water has got into shops and homes in Wealdstone
Images posted online show water flooding properties and businesses in the area.
In an official statement, Station Commander Chris Swallow detailed the ongoing efforts to address the situation, saying, “Crews are using sandbags at the scene to protect further properties from damage and are working to divert floodwater.” He added that road closures have been implemented between Ellen Webb Drive and College Avenue to facilitate the safe operation of the emergency response.
The incident, which was reported to the fire brigade at 0626 this morning, has caused significant disruption to the local community. Many residents woke up to water in their homes and businesses, with some witnessing water reaching the back of their buildings.
As a result, numerous children were unable to attend school, and employees faced difficulties reaching their workplaces.
One member of the Harrow Online Residents Group on Facebook said: “This is a bad one, the whole street is flooded.”
Sacred Heart High School has been forced to close due to the incident, exacerbating the disruption for students and their families. The situation has prompted a flurry of social media posts from affected individuals, who have been sharing images and footage documenting the extent of the flooding and its impact on the area.
Furthermore, the incident has caused traffic congestion in the vicinity, compounding the challenges faced by residents and commuters. Authorities strongly urge people to avoid the affected area if possible.
As of now, water supplies remain disrupted in Harrow, Harrow Weald, North Harrow, Kenton, Wealdstone, Hatch End, Stanmore, and Belmont. Local authorities and water utility companies are working diligently to rectify the issue and restore normalcy as soon as possible.
Residents are advised to stay updated through official channels and follow the instructions provided by local authorities. Efforts to address the flooding and water supply issues are ongoing, and residents are encouraged to cooperate with emergency services and utility workers during this challenging time.
The exact cause of the burst water main and the estimated timeline for restoring water services have not yet been confirmed.
