Flash floods cause travel chaos in Winchester after torrential rains

Kit Heren28 August 2020

Winchester has been drenched in torrential rain, causing flash floods in the city centre and sparking travel misery.

The main rail line from the southern city to London was blocked by a landslip and roads were also blocked after a heavy downpour on Wednesday night.

The shopping centre was flooded along with parts of the Stanmore residential area and local officials were busy unblocking drains.

Winchester police urged drivers to take care on the roads.

Officers said in a statement on Twitter on Thursday evening: "Lots of flooding around the City at this time. Many roads are blocked or slow so please be patient.

"HCC are already out unblocking drains. Please consider all pedestrians on footpaths."

A landslip between Micheldever and Winchester led to trains being delayed while rail operatives cleared the track and repaired damage.

Services were still not running by Friday morning.

South Western railway said in.a statement: "We have been informed of a landslip between Micheldever and Winchester. This means that all lines are currently blocked between these stations.

"Until further notice, the following alterations may apply: Services between London Waterloo and Bournemouth may be diverted via Havant.

"We have also requested replacement buses between Basingstoke and Southampton Central. Once these are confirmed, start times and locations will be updated.

"We are very sorry for any delay that this may cause to your journey."

Hampshire Constabulary has been contacted for an update on Friday morning.