March went into recovery over drive today after the worst floods in living memory – more rain fell in 24 hours than would normally fall in the whole of August.
Homes and businesses were flooded; neighbourhoods left under water and hundreds lost their electricity supply.
Network Power said the final two customers affected by yesterday’s power failures had supplies restored by 2am.
Cambs fire service said that three crews and a high volume pump remained in March to tackle flooding.
“We are receiving calls this morning from some people who have woken up to discover flood water in their homes, particularly in the March and Oakington areas,” said a spokesman.
“If you are affected, turn off electrics and please only dial 999 if there is an immediate risk to life.”
Met Office forecaster Helen Roberts said March saw more rainfall in one day than they normally would throughout the average August.
“March had 68.8mm of rainfall in 24 hours, while the average rainfall for that region in August would normally be 53.6mm,” she said.
Bigger stores such as Tesco, forced to evacuate 500 customers yesterday as water came into their Hostmoor store, re opened at 9am.
But some smaller shops, such as the Maple Grove One Stop Shop, remained closed.
“We have suffered quite a lot of damage and are awaiting our maintenance team, electricians and engineers,” the manager said.
Two of the area’s big leisure centres, both run by Fenland District Council, were also hit by flooding.
A council spokesman said: “At the Hudson Leisure Centre in Wisbech, the gym and swimming pool are open as normal, but the sports hall, soft play and dance studio will remain closed until Monday due to flood damage.”
However the council said the swimming pool at the George Campbell Leisure Centre March, which was closed yesterday because of flooding, has re-opened.
Elsewhere in town police have cordoned off an open manhole in Upwell Road, and Nene Parade is closed after part of the riverbank collapsed. Businesses along the road, however, are accessible on foot and remain open.
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