Investigation Published Into Flash Flood in Market Harborough

An investigation into flash flooding in Market Harborough town centre has found intense rainfall overwhelmed the drainage system, with high levels in the River Welland making the situation worse.

The flooding happened on September 21st, 2024, with water entering 37 businesses and affecting eight roads across the town centre.

Leicestershire County Council has now published its investigation report, which found heavy rainfall generated large amounts of surface water that the existing drainage network was unable to cope with.

Around 35mm of rain fell in just a couple of hours.

The report found that vehicles travelling through floodwater created bow waves

The River Welland did not overtop its flood defences, but its high water level restricted the discharge from surface-water drainage outfalls into the river. This contributed to water backing up in the drainage system.

The investigation found no significant blockage in the main Anglian Water sewer network. Minor debris and root growth were removed, but these were not considered to be the primary cause of the flooding.

Businesses reported damage to stock, flooring, electrical equipment, IT systems and fixtures.

The flooding happened on September 21st, 2024

The report also found that vehicles travelling through floodwater created bow waves, which made flooding worse at some properties, particularly those with low thresholds.

Following the flooding, Anglian Water surveyed and cleansed drainage assets, while Leicestershire County Council carried out reactive cleansing of highway drainage in the town centre.

The report says further work is continuing to explore additional flood storage and ways of improving flood resilience for properties at risk.

A Market Harborough Flood Action Group was also established in 2025 to support local flood preparedness and resilience.

The flooding happened on September 21st, 2024