Floods affect Dedham Colchester as River Stour bursts bank

Parts of Dedham has been severely hit by consistent rainfall, leaving the village completely covered in deep pools of flood water.

As a result of the overnight downpour, the River Stour has burst its banks, causing water to overflow into car parks and fields.

The River Stour from Sudbury to Dedham has an active flood alert in place from the Environment Agency, while the river at Flatford has also been seriously impacted by the burst riverbanks.

The footpaths from Dedham to Flatford are also said to be under deep floodwater.

Overflowing: deep floodwater is covering fields in Dedham (Image: Newsquest)

Footpath: a commonly used footpath along the river is flooded (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesman for Flatford National Trust said: “If you are planning to visit Flatford in the next few days please bear in mind that the footpaths to Dedham and Manningtree are under deep floodwater.

“Although the National Trust walking trails are not flooded, there are some very big puddles and lots of mud, so come prepared with wellies or walking boots.

“In addition, the river Stour is rising fast, with a strong current and lots of floating debris, so please take great care if you are planning on doing anything on or near the water.”

Covered: a footpath next to a horses field also flooded (Image: Newsquest)

Parking: Mill Pond car park flooded by the burst river (Image: Newsquest)

The chaos comes after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for rain, as well as a flood warning for the whole of England.

Alerts which were in place on Wednesday and Thursday have been extended into today and two new flood alerts have been issued.

Further travel disruption, roof damage and power cuts could also be expected across the county.

Blocked: main Dedham car park also flooded (Image: Newsquest)

Despite the alerts, it is expected to brighten up in Colchester over the coming days, according to the Met Office.

Only occasional light showers are predicted for the area but temperatures are expected to drop to four or five degrees.

Business: Dedham Boathouse outdoor area is flooded (Image: Newsquest)

Extreme: a ford in Dedham which is usually easily passable by car (Image: Newsquest)

In a prediction for tonight’s weather, a spokesman for the Met Office said: “A corridor of low cloud and showery outbreaks of light rain is likely in the west overnight.

"Elsewhere, largely dry with some clear spells developing. Turning locally chilly. Minimum temperature 2 °C.”