08:23PM, Monday 12 June 2023
Photos by David Mason
Severe thunderstorms following the week of hot weather led to flash flooding across Maidenhead and surrounding areas yesterday.
Before the weekend, Maidenhead had seen its longest dry spell in 20 years, going 27 days without measurable rainfall at Boyn Hill before thunderstorms finally hit on Sunday afternoon.
More storms were to come, and the Met Office issued a rare amber alert on Monday, June 12.
It issued thunderstorm warnings and said the ‘torrential and thundery’ showers were likely to bring lightning, strong winds and hail.
Heavy rain hit in the early evening, and Wootton Way in Maidenhead was closed by the police following flooding in the road.
A tree was struck by lightning in Badminton Road, while flash flooding was also seen in Gringer Hill.
Retired meteorologist Roger Brugge, who is based in Maidenhead said 19.8 mm of rain and hail fell in 20 minutes at Boyn Hill during the thunderstorms on Monday.
He also said the air temperature of 31.8 degrees C recorded on Saturday morning was the earliest in the year that such a temperature had been reached since records began in Maidenhead or at nearby Hurley in 1953.
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‘Reassurance patrols’ will continue in the park, police said, and an appeal has been issued for anyone who might have information to make a report.