Abbey village hit by freak flash flood after heatwave

Several inches of surface water covered the A675 through Abbey village, causing disruption for motorists travelling between Bolton and Chorley as intense rain swept across the West Pennine Moors during the early hours.

(Image: Phil Taylor)

The flooding came just days after the UK experienced its hottest day of June, with the dramatic change in weather catching drivers by surprise as roads quickly became submerged.

The Met Office had issued a Yellow Weather Warning for thunderstorms across Lancashire and Greater Manchester overnight, warning that between 15mm and 20mm of rain could fall in less than an hour.

Forecasters said the heavy downpours could lead to rapid surface water flooding and dangerous driving conditions.

(Image: Phil Taylor)

Local resident Phil Taylor witnessed the flooding while driving home.

He said: “I was driving back from Houghton in bright sunshine when all of a sudden torrential rain started.

“It eventually dried up and I had just gone through Abbey Village when the road had flooded and blocked both sides of the road.

“There were several inches of water across the carriageway. It’s a notorious spot for flooding.

“The water was draining away slowly, but I was surprised to see it happen in such glorious sunshine.

“Vehicles were still getting through but if somebody takes in water and damages their engine it could cause a serious problem.

“It’s the main road from Bolton to Preston for people avoiding the motorway.”

Abbey Village, just north of Belmont, is well known as a flood hotspot.

The village sits in a low-lying section of the A675 near the Upper and Lower Roddlesworth Reservoirs, where heavy rain running off the surrounding West Pennine Moors can quickly overwhelm road drainage.

Despite the flooding, traffic has continued to pass slowly as the water continues to gradually recede.

Drivers are being urged to take extra care and avoid driving through floodwater where possible.