AVOID the area – that’s the message as a major route that connects Wokingham borough with Reading, Lower Earley and the motorway has been closed this morning due to flooding.
The Showcase Roundabout at Winnersh is partially submerged, making it impassable for everything but journeys from Reading or the A329m towards Wokingham.
Drivers wanting to go from Winnersh are unable to do so as heavy rain has meant the junctions with Lower Earley Way and Wokingham Road are flooded.
There are long delays on the Reading Road towards Winnersh Crossroads as a result.
The businesses around the roundabout are also affected.
The Winnersh Garden Centre is submerged, and flooding is up to its entrance on Wokingham Road.
The Premier Inn and Bar+Block complex has flooding in its car park, but access is limited by the heavy traffic.
The Showcase Cinema car park is partially submerged, but staff were seen trying to open up as normal.
Flood waters are affecting the beer garden of The George pub, but have not come to the doors of the building.
In a post on social media, Wokingham Borough Council said: “Parts of Showcase Roundabout, Winnersh are currently impassable due to flooding.”
The water comes from the River Loddon, which has burst its banks, and there is flooding in Dinton Pastures as a result. The play areas are also underwater.
The Environment Agency has flood alerts in place across the borough, warning that properties could flood as river levels rise.
The flood warning is in place for the next few days.
They warned: “There is the potential that flood waters will reach the same level as in December 2000. Our staff are liaising with councils and emergency services. Move possessions and valuables off the ground, or to safety.”
Yesterday, the Emmbrook School closed as its entrance was flooded over.
It is expected that today’s sporting calendar will be affected by flooded pitches.
