The Environment Agency has said it is “working round the clock” with its partners to help reduce the flood risk posed by Storm Babet.
There are currently 108 flood warnings in place, meaning that flooding is expected in those areas, and there are 111 flood alerts in place, meaning flooding is possible in those areas.
Over 350 flood warnings have been issued across England since Thursday (October 19).
The Environment Agency said teams are operating flood defences, flood storage reservoirs and putting up temporary barriers where needed to help protect communities.Â
Pumps have been deployed to locations in North Nottinghamshire to provide pumping if required.
“The total number of properties reported to have been flooded is 1,229. An estimated 22,000 properties have been protected,” the agency said.
“20 high volume pumps and five small volume pumps have been deployed.”
The Environment Agency has warned that widespread flooding is probable from rivers of the Midlands and South Yorkshire.
“Many properties could flood and conditions may be dangerous to life,” the agency said.
“Whole communities could be affected and there could be disruption to travel and essential services.”
Current situation
The Environment Agency said river flooding may continue today (Monday, October 23) for parts of the Midlands and persist for Nottinghamshire until Thursday (October 26).
River flooding will continue for parts of the North of England until Monday and along the River Severn until Wednesday (October 25).
Flooding is possible but not expected from rivers and surface water across parts of the North of England, the Midlands and East of England on Tuesday (October 24) due to heavy rain.
The Environment Agency said land, roads and some properties may flood and there may be travel disruption.
In Mugdock, Stirlingshire, an X user said the woods were moving like the sea due to the flooding in the area:
The woods were moving like the sea this morning #StormBabet pic.twitter.com/u5cKVM0sjO
— Dan S. MacAbre-St. Saens (@dsnugentmalone) October 20, 2023
Flood duty manager for the Environment Agency, Katharine Smith, said: “Following persistent, heavy rain from Storm Babet, we are seeing severe river flooding impacts on the River Idle in the East Midlands, where we have issued two severe Flood Warnings.
“Widespread flooding is probable from rivers Sunday (October 22) in parts of the Midlands and the North of England. River flooding may continue into Monday (today, October 23) for parts of Yorkshire and the Humber and the East Midlands.
“Environment Agency teams are out on the ground and have operated flood barriers and storage areas. Temporary defences, including pumps and barriers, have been deployed to minimise the impact of flooding where needed. Flood gates have also been closed in affected areas.”
Smith said the agency is advising people to stay away from swollen rivers and urge people not to drive through flood water as “just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car”.
