Major roads closed after heavy rain hits towns

Numerous roads have been closed after flooding hit Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

Heavy rain fell on Sunday, into Monday, with areas such as Dunstable and Hitchin seeing shops and cars partially submerged.

On Monday, several roads were blocked including the A41 in Watford and the A421 in Bedford.

A Met Office yellow warning for rain remains in force until 23:59 BST on Monday.

On Sunday in Dunstable, pictures showed cars battling high water around the old Saracen's Head pub, with people trying to clear drains on the High Street.

Bedfordshire Police said it had closed off part of the High Street due to "substantial flooding".

The A421 near Bedford was also closed westbound, between the A6 and Marston Moretaine, due to flood water.

It remains closed on Monday in both directions and National Highways said there was no estimated time for its reopening. A diversion route is in place.

The A412 St Albans Road in north Watford was closed on Monday between the A41 Dome Roundabout and Sheepcot Lane.

In Buckinghamshire, the A422 has been closed in both directions between the A405 and Main Road.

According to traffic sensors several cars were stuck in flood water.

Central Bedfordshire Council said Dunstable, Flitwick, Cranfield and Marston Moretaine had experienced flooding after storms in the area.

Hitchin residents also reported some of their properties had been affected by flooding.

Labour MP for Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard, Alex Mayer, described the flooding as "heartbreaking for local businesses and people" in a statement.

"I am sure everyone's thanks goes to the emergency services, and everyone helping in dealing with these incidents today," she added.

"I understand this is an ongoing issue, and I so urge residents to stay safe, and please continue to follow the advice of the emergency services."

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