The Oban Times

Floods strand Oban town centre vehicles

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Torrents of rain, high tides and strong winds have flooded roads and a car park in Oban.

Drivers heading towards Tesco and Lochavulli­n Industrial Estate early on Monday were stopped in their tracks by the rising water.

A stranded Tesco delivery van failed to get through the flood and had to be towed out by a recovery vehicle.

Some motorists, especially those in 4x4s, braved it, while others turned back and found an alternativ­e route via Albany Street and over the railway bridge.

Water had started to build up in the area on Sunday. One man who waded through it on Monday said it came up to his knees.

An Argyll and Bute Council spokespers­on said the standing water was caused ‘by the exceptiona­l amount of rain, augmented by higher tides than usual and the strength of the wind backing up the Black Lynn towards the flooded area.

‘There are pumps in the area which will cope with reasonable quantities of water but not the volume we have experience­d over the weekend and today,’ added the spokespers­on on Monday.

One man on Oban and Lorn Road Watch group’s Facebook page commented: ‘A small fortune spent on pumps etc about 10 years ago to prevent his from happening! What a waste! The area is a flood plane so no cheap solution!’

Bad flooding was also experience­d on both sides of the road in Connel on Monday, also near the Oyster Inn and the Halfway House filling station.

Humorous Facebook posts were super-imposing the Titanic and a submarine in the Lochavulli­n Road flood.

Forecaster­s have issued a weather warning for strong winds and more heavy rain.

 ??  ?? Floodwater rises up parked wheels in the Lochavulli­n Road car park.
Floodwater rises up parked wheels in the Lochavulli­n Road car park.

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