A main County Durham route was closed on Friday (September 9) morning after ‘flash flooding’ hit the tarmac surface – forcing drivers to find alternative routes around the ‘impassable’ road.

Motorists travelling on Stephenson Way in Newton Aycliffe were spotted turning around after a large amount of water was seen washing over the curbs and making it impossible for vehicles to travel through at around 8am.

Despite several cars and HGVs trying to brave the water levels, most people found other alternative routes to work or to get their children to school, while the water could also be seen lapping the bottom of some parked cars along Stephenson Way.

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One motorist who tried passing the water posted on social media that people “would need a boat” if they were to travel down Stephenson Way, while another noted that it was a “nightmare” to try and travel around the building traffic on other streets close to Stephenson Way.

It’s believed that the flooding, which also affected other nearby streets, was caused by drains backing up in the area, while an increase in recent rainfall was also noted as a partial factor.

The Northern Echo: Water floods the surface of Stephenson Way, Newton Aycliffe. Picture: HANNAH WILSONWater floods the surface of Stephenson Way, Newton Aycliffe. Picture: HANNAH WILSON (Image: HANNAH WILSON)

Residents in Wright Close and Lilburn Crescent also reported flooding near to their property and on the road outside their house.

A large amount of rainfall over the last few days has been seen across the North East, with thunderstorms forecast for County Durham and further north in Tyne and Wear on Friday afternoon.

The Northern Echo: Water gets dangerously close to properties on Wright Close. Picture: PUBLICWater gets dangerously close to properties on Wright Close. Picture: PUBLIC (Image: PUBLIC)

Further worries about other flooding incidents have been made – with some residents telling The Northern Echo that the water was “scarily close” to their properties and some having to prepare themselves for flooding.

The water was eventually cleared from people’s gardens and the roads at around 9.45am.

The Northern Echo: Parked cars are hit by building water on Stephenson Way. Picture: HANNAH WILSONParked cars are hit by building water on Stephenson Way. Picture: HANNAH WILSON (Image: HANNAH WILSON)

Stephenson Way and nearby roads are now clear for vehicles.    

More to follow.  

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