Six fire engines and dozens of firefighters are dealing with huge flooding in the Islington area due to a burst 30-inch water main.
The area between Caledonian Road and Twyford Street to the junction of Thornhill Bridge Wharf and Caledonian Road has been particularly badly affected.
The London Fire Brigade was called at 1.46pm, with crews from Dowgate, Euston, Soho and surrounding fire stations attending the scene with inflatable boats, pumping equipment and flood kits.
Islington Council said some residents had to evacuate from their homes and businesses, with the London Fire Brigade confirming they carried out rescues.
A respite centre for affected residents has been set up at Islington Tennis Centre Market.
Follow for the latest updates...
Update from LFB
18:49 , Tom PlaceA spokesperson from London Fire Brigade (LFB) has confirmed that a number of evacuations and rescues have taken place in the area around Caledonian Road following today’s flooding.
No numbers have been confirmed, given this is an ongoing situation, but it has been confirmed that the evacuations and rescues took place over an area between Caledonian Road and Twyford Street to the junction of Thornhill Bridge Wharf and Caledonian Road.
There will be a further update later this evening.
Update from Thames Water - Water supply restored
18:34 , Tom PlaceThames Water have provided a fresh update, in which they confirm that a water supply has been restored to the wider area.
The statement reads: “Our teams have now successfully isolated the damaged section of pipe on Caledonian Road, N1. This has stabilised the network and restored water supply to the wider area.
“We are now carrying out further valve operations to gradually return the remaining customers to supply. Once these are complete, we will be accessing the damaged pipe to assess the situation and plan the necessary repairs.
“Water pressure will continue to improve as these works progress, and supplies will be fully restored as quickly and safely as possible.
“Some customers in N1, N7, WC1X and EC1R may still experience low pressure or intermittent supply while we complete these works.
“We remain on site supporting customers affected by flooding, including helping to clear any standing water where required. Our customer representatives and loss adjuster teams continue to provide advice and assistance to those directly impacted.”
Local resident - 'Like a river'
18:27 , Tom PlaceAnna Longman lives close to Caledonian Road, and is currently organising a book festival in Thornhill Square, an area which has been affected by the flooding.
She was able to capture a video, which was posted on X by her husband earlier today.
Caledonian Road N1 now. Another success in water management by @thameswater @IslingtonTrib @IslingtonBC pic.twitter.com/o6ERKHRjqt
— Philip Rutnam (@PhilipRutnam) February 24, 2026
She told The Standard that she was walking home from the Kings Cross area at around 1.55pm, when she came upon the flood water.
She said: “Suddenly, cars were slowing down. It was awash, like a river, brown water flowing very quickly.
“One lady had to abandon her bike, a nice young man helped her out.
“You couldn’t see the pavement or kerbs, it was very dramatic.
“I think cars were trying to get through before it was shut off. Nobody could cross, it was like having a brown, fast flowing river right in front of you.”
Anna is now safe in her house. The mains water went off some hours ago - but she says it has now come back on.
How has the flooding affected you?
17:49 , Tom PlaceHave you been affected by the flooding in Islington? Are you out of water? Has your home or business been damaged?
You can send any information or photos to tom.place@standard.co.uk
TfL update
17:42 , Tom PlaceTransport for London has confirmed that the bus routes 17, 91, 259, 274 and N91 are being diverted away from the area due to the flooding.
Large dog rescued by LFB
17:28 , Tom PlaceEarlier today, firefighters used a boat to rescue a large dog from the flooded area in Islington.
Paul Wood captured the below images:
Updated statement from Thames Water
17:17 , Tom PlaceThames Water have released an updated statement, confirming they are working to isolate the damaged section of pipe on site at Caledonian Road.
They confirm that once the main has been safely isolated, water pressure will begin to rebuild across the local network, and as pressure gradually returns, supplies will start to be restored to customers in the affected areas.
The statement continues: “After the main is isolated, we’ll also be supporting customers affected by flooding, helping to clear any standing water where needed.
“We’re very sorry to those who have experienced flooding as a result of this burst. Our customer representatives and loss adjuster teams are on site to provide advice and support to those directly impacted.
“To keep the public and our teams safe, traffic management measures are in place while we carry out repairs on Caledonian Road. We apologise for any disruption or delays this may cause in the area.
“We understand how distressing and disruptive this situation is, and we sincerely appreciate your continued patience while we work to restore supplies and support affected customers.”
The affected postcodes experiencing low pressure or no water are N1, N7, WC1X & EC1R.
Thames Water will provide a further update by 7pm.
Islington Council update
17:10 , Tom PlaceIslington council have confirmed that staff are supporting the emergency services as they manage the flooding on Caledonian Road.
Cllr Una O’Halloran, Leader of Islington Council, said: “My heart goes out to the residents, businesses, and organisations that have been impacted by this afternoon’s flooding on Caledonian Road.
“We’re working with the emergency services to support those that are affected, and to ensure that those that have had to evacuate can return home as quickly as possible.
“Local people simply shouldn’t have to face this level of disruption – we’re doing all we can to resolve this, but we’re calling on Thames Water to manage the situation, and help get our residents and businesses back into their properties as quickly as possible.”
There is flooding on Caledonian Road due to a burst water main. @ThamesWater teams are on site working to stop the flow.
— Islington Council (@IslingtonBC) February 24, 2026
We’re working with Thames Water and @LFB to support those affected and ensure those that have had to evacuate can return home as quickly as possible. pic.twitter.com/iDe53GGOzT
More incredible footage
17:05 , Tom PlaceHere is more footage of the flooding, from Billy Cove on X:
North London is under water 💧 #CaledonianRoad #TheCally #Islington pic.twitter.com/PI6Aa2DJTf
— Billy Cove (@BillyCove10) February 24, 2026
Thames Water statement
17:02 , Tom PlaceHere is Thames Water’s statement regarding the burst pipe:
“We're aware of flooding, no water and low pressure issues in the area. This is due to a burst pipe on Caledonian Road, N1. Our teams are en route and will work quickly to stop the flow. We will carry out the fix as quickly and safely as possible.
“While this work is carried out, customers in the following postcodes may have low water pressure or no water: N1, N7, WC1X & EC1R.
“We know how disruptive it is if you lose your water supply, so we’ll work hard to get things back to normal as soon as we can.”
Remarkable footage of the flooding
16:52 , Tom PlaceFormer civil servant Philip Rutnam posted this astonishing video on X this afternoon, taken by his wife Anna Longman, showing the extent of the flooding.
Caledonian Road N1 now. Another success in water management by @thameswater @IslingtonTrib @IslingtonBC pic.twitter.com/o6ERKHRjqt
— Philip Rutnam (@PhilipRutnam) February 24, 2026
LFB statement
16:48 , Tom PlaceHere is London Fire Brigade (LFB)’s statement regarding the flooding:
“Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters are dealing with flooding due to a burst 30-inch water main in Islington.
“The flooding is affecting an area between Caledonian Road and Twyford Street to the junction of Thornhill Bridge Wharf and Caledonian Road.
“Traffic is likely to be impacted by the incident so please avoid the area if you can.
“A respite centre for affected residents has been set up at Islington Tennis Centre Market.
“Two of the Brigade’s specialist Fire and Rescue Units are attending the scene, which are equipped with inflatable boats, pumping equipment and flood kits.
“The Brigade was called at 1346 and crews from Dowgate, Euston, Soho and surrounding fire stations are attending the scene.”
London Fire Brigade update
16:43 , Tom PlaceThe London Fire Brigade have posted on X to confirm they are dealing with the flooding, which occurred on Caledonian Road.
Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters are responding to flooding caused by a burst water main on Caledonian Road in #Islington.
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) February 24, 2026
The flooding is affecting an area around Caledonian Road between Twyford Street and Thornhill Bridge Wharf.
Please avoid the area if you can. pic.twitter.com/UiQJrBbxX4
Good afternoon
16:41 , Tom PlaceA burst water main in Islington has caused a huge amount of flooding this afternoon.
Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters are dealing with the issue, while Thames Water have confirmed that customers in N1, N7, WC1X and EC1R postcodes may be experiencing low water pressure or no water.
