Flood alert issued for Welney Wash Road as water levels rise

The Environment Agency has issued an amber flood alert for the Welney Washes, between Downham Market and Ely.

It says: "Flooding is possible in this area. Monitor local water levels and weather conditions.

"Avoid using low lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding."

Waters rise on either side of the A1101 Welney Wash road in 2020 (Image: Ian Burt)It comes as water levels continue to rise after heavy rainfall, with more downpours forecast.

When the washes flood, part of the main A1101 which forms the southern approach to the village also becomes covered.

A driver braves the flooded road during a previous flood at Welney (Image: Matthew Usher)At 9am on Tuesday, the Environment Agency's level gauge on the Old Bedford River - one of the waterways running through the washes - was reading 2.35m.

Once water levels reach 2.4m, the land begins to flood. Water then begins to rise on the A1101, which becomes unpassable for weeks at a time until the floods recede.

A car abandoned during a previous flood at Welney (Image: Chris Bishop)Each winter, some drivers ignore the warnings and become stranded or leave the road and end up in one of the deep ditches on either side because they can't see where the road bends. 

When water levels return to normal, they sometimes reveal vehicles abandoned by drivers who ignored the warning signs and barriers.

Each winter, water floods across the A1101 at Welney (Image: Matthew Usher)The highest floods recorded in the area, in 1937, saw more than 6ft of water over the road.

Centuries ago, the washes were designed to flood each winter by the Dutch drainers who reclaimed the Fens.

Migrating swans and waterfowl on the flooded Welney Washes (Image: Matthew Usher)They soak up excess water and protect land and communities to the north from flooding.

Since then, their so-called wet grasslands have become a haven for wildlife and are the winter home to thousands of migrating swans.