Storms and heavy rain brought flash flooding to parts of England and Wales, United Kingdom, on 09 May 2023. Homes and roads were flooded in Somerset and Devon in the South West. Flooding was also reported in North Wales and parts of South East England.

Flash flooding during heavy rain caused disruption in Hertfordshire.

Some roads in the county also became impassable for motorists.

Hertfordshire Constabulary had said it was experiencing a "high volume" of 999 calls because of cars stuck in flood water and urged drivers to find "alternative routes".

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service reported that it had 65 calls and dealt with 30 weather-related incidents within a two-hour period, concentrated between Ware and Harpenden, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said it received “widespread” calls for help due to flooding from around midday on 09 May 2023. Around 5 homes were flooded along with several roads in areas of Exeter, Devon. Roads and school buildings were affected in Tipton St John, near Exeter. The weather station at the Exeter Met Office recorded 41.5 mm of rain in 24 hours to early 10 May.

A farm building was destroyed and a vehicle damaged after floods in Newton Poppleford, Devon. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service carried out at least 4 rescue operations for motorists trapped in floods in Taunton.

In North Cadbury, Somerset, residents were forced to evacuate after 18 homes in the area were flooded. Seven flood warnings were in place as of 10 May 2023, including for the River Cam, which flows through the village of North Cadbury.

Levels of the River Cam at nearby Weston Bampfylde reached 2.85 metres on 09 May. According to the Environment Agency, property flooding is possible above 0.60 metres. Flood warnings are still in place for areas between Weston Bampfylde and Speckington.

The River Otter at Dotton, near Newton Poppleford, reached 1.55 metres on 09 May. According to the Environment Agency, flooding of low-lying land is possible above 1.40 metres.


River Cam level at Weston Bampfylde, UK, May 2023. Image: Environment Agency

River Otter level at Dotton, UK, May 2023. Image: Environment Agency

Areas of Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Essex and Cambridgeshire in England saw heavy rain as the storms moved east. Some rail services from Cambridge were suspended due to severe weather.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service say they received a number of reports of flash floods in the Wrexham area, where several roads were flooded.

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