IN PICTURES: Torrential downpours hit Peterborough

Though many of us had been looking forward to a spot of rain following a summer of heatwaves, none of us were prepared for the torrential downpours which battered the city on Thursday, August 27.

Starting around mid-morning – thankfully following the end of rush-hour – the heavens opened to release an unrelenting deluge which consistently lashed the city right up until early afternoon.

While no areas of the city were spared, it is fair to say some neighbourhoods – such as Dogsthorpe, Orton, Woodston and Fletton – were hit particularly hard. Roads quickly became entrenched with rainwater, making driving conditions hazardous to motorists, and many supermarkets and shops were forced to close due to uncontainable pooling.

The situation was not helped by the fact so many drains were quickly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of water.

While some questioned whether this was because the drains are not cleared often enough, both Anglian Water and Peterborough City Council said this is not the case – and it is instead due to a combination of how much rain arrived and the incredibly dry summer the city has been forced to endure.

“The heavy rainfall forecast over the coming days could result in… the 'first true flush' when debris is flushed through drainage systems after a prolonged dry spell,” an Anglian Water spokesperson said.

Areas outside of the city also suffered, with parts of Deeping St. James, Eye and Market Deeping finding themselves under water. In addition, severe pooling at the side of the A15 saw perfect aquaplaning conditions take shape between Market Deeping and Bourne.

Fortunately, one area which was spared, relatively, was the Embankment, home at this time of year to the much-loved Peterborough Beer Festival. ”We didn’t even have any large puddles,” said happy festival organiser, Steve Dunkley, who attributes the site’s good fortune to the long hot summer. “It all soaks away quite nicely because the ground is so dry,” he explained. “You wouldn’t even know its rained!” A big thank you to all PT readers who took the time to share their images and experiences with us.