Six people dead 'danger to life' Storm Babet brings major floods - updates

Key developments as Storm Babet thrashes UK

The Environment Agency has warned flooding from major rivers could continue until Tuesday, amid widespread disruption caused by Storm Babet which has killed six people.

A search continues in Aberdeenshire after a report of a man trapped in a vehicle in floodwater. Flooding has caused travel chaos across Britain's rail networks as train operators advised customers not to travel on Saturday. It lead to crowd control measures being implemented at London King's Cross station.

A "small handful" of homes will still be without power on Sunday but a red weather warning - meaning "danger to life" - is no longer in place.

Six people have been killed by the storm, which relentlessly battered the UK between Wednesday and Saturday. Major incidents were on Saturday declared by authorities in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Suffolk due to rising water levels.

A car is seen on a bridge washed away near Dundee following heavy rain (PA)

North Sea workers airlifted off rig

More than half the staff manning a North Sea drilling platform have been airlifted to other sites after several of its anchors came loose during Storm Babet.

Coastguard helicopters were called upon to move 45 non-essential workers from the Stena Spey to neighbouring platforms and to Sumburgh on the Shetland Islands on Saturday due to the incident.

The rig is located around 146 miles east of Aberdeen.

Amber warning is now over, Met Office says

An amber weather warning that had been in place for the whole of Saturday has now come to an end.

It covered an area of northern Scotland between Inverness and Thurso.

Green comet last seen by Neanderthals 50,000 years ago to fly past earth tonight

Homes evacuated in Aberdeen due to flood water

Homes in Peterculter, Aberdeen, have flooded as the nearby waterway burst its banks. Residents were asked to evacuate this evening.

A video was taken in the suburb and shared on social media.

Two dead after car plunges off bridge amid Storm Babet

Two people have died after their car plunged off a bridge during Storm Babet.

The tragedy happened this afternoon near Skipton. North Yorkshire Police said the dark red Vauxhall Grandland collided with a bridge barrier on the A629 Western Bypass.

Pictures show the wreckage of the vehicle, which landed on its roof near to a canal at 1.20pm. The driver of the car, a man in his 70s from West Yorkshire, was pronounced dead at the scene. The female passenger, also in her 70s, was taken to hospital in a critical condition, and was pronounced dead a short time later. Their next of kin have been informed.

Man said there was a 'high chance of a crush' during overcrowding at King's Cross

A retired man with Parkinson's disease has said there was a "high chance of a crush" during overcrowding at King's Cross station in central London on Saturday.

John Hinson, 61, said people were "crashing against the barrier" as they tried to reach their trains.

"It was just so dangerous," John, from North Ferriby, East Yorkshire, said.

Meanwhile, South Yorkshire has suffered flooding as waterways continue to burst their banks.

North Sea drilling platform loses anchors during Storm Babet

A North Sea drilling platform lost anchors during Storm Babet.

Helicopters have been sent to assist the operation at Stena Spey, which is 146 miles (235km) east of Aberdeen.

Stena Drilling said four of the eight anchors detached themselves due to the "severe weather". All 89 personnel are accounted for on the rig.

Families evacuated by raft after flood rips through street and into homes

Nottinghamshire is heavily impacted by Storm Babet - and residents were evacuated in the Hucknall area of the county.

Janet and David Wilkinson's home of 52 years has been damaged. Mrs Wilkinson said: "I paddled through, I could really feel the pressure on my legs. I got in and had to literally strip down, I had to take off my clothes and paddled through three feet of water."

(Nottingham Post)

Major incident is declared in Nottinghamshire

A major incident has been declared in Nottinghamshire tonight - with River Trent feared to burst its banks.

Nottinghamshire and Nottingham Local Resilience Forum said: "Due to the anticipated widespread impact of the rising river levels along the River Trent and due to the flood alerts in place across the county, Nottinghamshire and Nottingham Local Resilience Forum have declared a Major Incident.

"Record river levels on the River Derwent are likely to lead to further peaks in water levels along the Trent Valley over the next 24 to 48 hours causing further risk of flooding in communities along the Trent Valley."

In this aerial view flooded cars are abandoned in the East Midlands (Getty Images)

Dramatic pictures show a car is seen on a bridge washed away

A car is seen on a bridge washed away near Dundee, Scotland, in these dramatic pictures.

It follows yesterday's torrential rain as Storm Babet continues to battes the country and a rare red weather warning remains in place for parts of eastern Scotland all day on Saturday.

Storm Babet cut off rural communities, and caused roads and bridges to collapse (PA)

Flood warnings cut to around 250 alerts

Earlier today, authorities said more than 360 flood warnings were in place - but this figure has now been reassessed to around 250.

Three of these are the most severe level - and all concern River Derwent in Derbyshire. The rest are dotted around the country as water levels continue to rise.

A man uses his homemade boat to rescue elderly residents from their home (PA)

Derby City Council says it is seeing record-breaking water levels in the River Derwent

Derby City Council said it is seeing record-breaking water levels in the River Derwent and warned that cleaning up after the floods could take several days.

The Environment Agency (EA) said three severe flood warnings were in place around the River Derwent in Derbyshire this morning, meaning deep and fast-flowing water carries a significant risk of death or serious injury, as well as serious disruption to local communities.

River Derwent swells further along its course near Sheffield (Villager Jim / SWNS)

Met Office shares update on more rain as Storm Babet slowly subsides

Drone pictures show damage caused by Storm Babet

Dramatic drone pictures lay bare the devastating damage caused by killer Storm Babet after a village was flooded.

Footage taken by Harvey Morgans shows the streets of Sandiacre, Derbyshire, submerged in flood water. The village, which has a population of around 9,000, was left under water after being battered by rain fall through Friday.

Harvey, a wedding photographer, put his drone up this morning to asses the damage and see if any shops were open.

But he was left stunned when he captured the soaked roads and motors that had been lost to the flooding.

The village of Sandiacre, Derbyshire, is submerged after flooding (HDM Entertainment / SWNS)

Storm Babet causes 'intensely frustrating' diversion for Jet2 tourists

A couple's flight home from Cyprus was delayed and diverted in an "intensely frustrating" ordeal after a plane skidded off a runway at Leeds Bradford Airport.

Phil Casey, a golf journalist and his partner Ann Meredith, 51, were due to fly from Larnaca International Airport to Leeds at 11.20pm local time on Friday. Their plans were disrupted after heavy winds forced a Tui flight to skid off a runway, causing the Leeds travel hub's temporary closure.

Having cleared security, the couple's Jet2 flight was delayed and diverted to Manchester Airport, as Storm Babet caused chaos in the UK.

Their flight finally departed at 3.20am local time and arrived in Manchester at about 7am on Saturday, Mr Casey said. The "very tired" couple did not get home until about 8.15am.

Mr Casey, 49, of Leeds, said: "Obviously it's intensely frustrating but at the same time you realise it's out of the control of the airlines, so we had a certain amount of sympathy.

"And then yeah, to make matters slightly worse at one point they put up that the gate was opening in five minutes. And then five minutes later when I went to check again it said 'gate now opening in 195 minutes', so obviously slight difference.
"So yeah, obviously we were then concerned about getting back from Manchester."

Jet2 provided buses to transport people from Manchester to Leeds but the couple decided to fork out £88 on an Uber to get home sooner, he said. Leeds Bradford Airport has reopened but Tui customers who were due to travel from there on Saturday are being directed to Manchester Airport, the airline has said.

Journalist's 'strangest pic' sends social media into meltdown

This picture, taken by a BBC reporter, has amused social media users. It appears to show a couple enjoy a meal at an outdoor area of a restaurant - with water everywhere around them.

Latest on London King's Cross station's closure

London's King's Cross station has been forced to close due to overcrowding as passengers were warned not to travel by rail. Network Rail said crowd control measures had been put in place at King's Cross due to disruption to LNER services.
In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, Network Rail said: "King's Cross Station is currently closed to manage passenger numbers on the concourse and on platforms.

"Storm Babet has brought severe disruption to the rail network and our teams are working hard to get passengers safely on the move."

Train operators around the UK have advised customers not to travel on Saturday due to widespread disruption after Storm Babet.

Images show gardens damaged by Storm Babet's force

Images show damage to gardens caused by Storm Babet in Brechin, Angus.

Storm Babet has battered the country and a rare red weather warning is still in place for parts of eastern Scotland.

Storm Babet caused damage to properties and gardens in Brechin (PA)

Worst-hit area 'not out of the woods yet by a long shot'

The worst hit area in Scotland during Storm Babet is now an "improving picture", but there are still fears of further floods as a red danger to life weather warning remains in place.

People in up to 100 properties across Angus in East Scotland have been rescued from their flooded homes, with some airlifted out, a local authority official has said.

The alert for extreme rain during the storm now ends at 6pm, rather than midnight, and covers a smaller area than on Friday - solely Angus and Aberdeenshire.

People were rescued from between 80 to 100 homes across Angus, while residents were airlifted out of homes via helicopter in Bridge of Dun. No one is now thought to be stranded.

Jacqui Semple, head of risk, resilience and safety for Angus Council, said: "Fortunately the Met Office update and our Sepa update this morning is showing that we have an improving picture and the red warnings and our amber warnings they have been reduced in timescales to 6pm.

"So that means we are looking at definite improvements in our river levels. We're not out of the woods by a long shot. There's still a lot of rain to come through, but less so, and there is still a lot of water lying right across Angus. Lots of water in the upper catchments that will still have to come down into our rivers."

The scene in Brechin, Scotland as Storm Babet batters the country (PA)

Major rivers could be flooded until Tuesday, officials warn

The Environment Agency has warned flooding is likely to continue in areas near major rivers until Tuesday.

Katharine Smith, flood duty manager at the agency, said: "Following persistent, heavy rain from Storm Babet, severe river flooding impacts are probable in parts of the East Midlands and South Yorkshire today (Saturday) and into Sunday.

"Severe river flooding impacts are occurring on the River Derwent in Derby, where we have issued severe flood warnings, and significant impacts are also possible elsewhere across the Midlands and parts of northern England today.

"Ongoing flooding is probable on some larger rivers including the Severn, Ouse and Trent through to Tuesday.

"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.

"We also advise 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."

A resident flood barrier in Kintore (PA)

Met Office says higher rainfall is 'in part due to climate change'

Met Office meterologist Rachel Ayers told Sky News: "We are seeing more days of 50mm or more rainfall recorded in the UK in the last three months of the year.

"It's in part due to the fact that as our climate is warming there's more moisture that can be held in warmer air, so that's 7 percent more koisture for every 1C of warming that we see.

"So it does look like we are seeing more rainfall and we do expect that to be a trend as we see the climate change continuing."

Ferries arrive and leave the Port of Dover in Kent (PA)

Overcrowded King's Cross station closed as storm brings 'severe disruption'

London's King's Cross station has been closed due to overcrowding as Storm Babet causes travel chaos.

It tweeted: "King's Cross station is currently closed to manage passenger numbers on the concourse and on platforms.

"Storm Babet has brought severe disruption to the rail network and our teams are working hard to get passengers safely on the move."

Read more here.

@GC_Rail is the 13:18 out of King's Cross running, and if so how do we get into the station?! pic.twitter.com/Lz2BLAlLud

— Emma Marshall (@earlymodernemma) October 21, 2023

People in up to 100 flooded homes rescued across Angus

People in up to 100 homes across Angus in East Scotland have been rescued from their flooded homes, with some airlifted out, a local authority official has said.

Jacqui Semple, head of risk, resilience and safety for Angus Council, said people were rescued from between 80 to 100 homes across the region.

In Bridge of Dun, residents were airlifted out via helicopter, while in other areas those stranded were rescued by boats, including canoes. No one is now thought to be stranded.

Ms Semple praised the response from those in Angus and elsewhere, saying offers of accommodation have come from the local area and further afield.

She said: "Fortunately the Met Office update and our Sepa update this morning is showing that we have an improving picture and the red warnings and our amber warnings they have been reduced in timescales to 6pm. So that means we are looking at definite improvements in our river levels.

"We're not out of the woods by a long shot. There's still a lot of rain to come through, but less so, and there is still a lot of water lying right across Angus. Lots of water in the upper catchments that will still have to come down into our rivers."

A back garden in Brechin, Scotland (PA)

RSPCA issues flood advice as storm batters the UK

The RSPCA is urgently calling on animal owners to keep their pets, livestock and wildlife safe during Storm Babet.

The charity has water rescue teams on standby and are currenly monitoring Derbyshire, which is under a severe flood warning, as well as Greater Manchester.

RSPCA inspectorate commissioner Dermot Murphy said: “It’s really important we help our animal friends get through this spell of bad weather, which is leading to widespread flooding. We have lots of helpful advice and tips available for people to make sure their pets and local wildlife are kept safe.

“In areas affected by flooding owners should be looking to bring small animals inside and move them upstairs, while livestock should be taken up to higher ground with enough emergency supplies for their needs. If householders do have to leave animals behind when they evacuate properties then they should keep them inside an upstairs room with plenty of food and water.

“Wild animals can also struggle in stormy weather but people can help them too. For example, they could leave some extra food out for hungry birds above ground level and perhaps even provide shelter for ground-nesting birds."

Members of the coastguard rescue a man and a dog in Brechin (Getty Images)

Seafront pub flooded as Storm Babet sends wave crashing through window

A restaurant was left "significantly damaged" after a huge wave smashed through its window.

The Old Chain Pier in Newhaven, Edinburgh shared a video on Facebook showing the moment water broke through the glass, writing: "That's the window gone.."

It added: "Due to significant damage to our exterior, interior, electrics, plumbing and nerves, with thanks to Storm Babet, we will be closed until (hopefully) 5pm Saturday 21st October.

"Pray we dry out and can welcome you all back ASAP."

The Old Chain Pier in Newhaven

Teen dies after car crash 'in horrendous weather conditions'

A teenage driver died and five others were left injured after a car hit a wall in West Yorkshire last night.

The treacherous weather conditions are said to have been a factor in the crash near Halifax, according to The Sun.

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "At 11.17pm last night, police were called to reports of a collision on Brow Lane, Shelf.

"A white Seat Ibiza was travelling down Brow Lane, towards Low Bentley, when it collided with a wall. The driver, a 19-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. An 18-year-old man was taken to hospital in a critical condition, thought to be life threatening at this time.

"Four other passengers in the vehicle at the time of the collision suffered injuries not believed to be life threatening. All were taken to hospital for medical treatment.

"A scene and road closure are in place and officers from the Major Collision Enquiry Team are investigating the incident. "

Danger to life flood warning in Wales as 'defences overtopping'

A severe flood warning - meaning a danger to life - has been issued for a village in Powys as Storm Babet continues.

The warning, issued by Natural Resources Wales on Saturday morning, covers the River Severn in the Llandrinio area. It covers the village of Llandrinio as well as isolated properties in the Severn-Vyrnwy confluence area including Hendre Lane, Haughton and Haimwood.

Natural Resources Wales warned that "local flood defences are overtopping" and said a number of roads could be affected by flooding.

It said: "We urge people to take warnings seriously and make arrangements to be safe. Avoid travelling where possible and do not drive or walk through flood waters."

‼️ Important Message ‼️

Roads within North Powys remain closed due to flooding and even though water levels may have dropped in some areas there is still the potential for hazards to be present.

Please do not ignore road closed signs and flood signs placed out for your safety.

— Powys County Council (@PowysCC) October 21, 2023

Coastguards issue warning as hundreds of flood warnings in place

Coastguards have warned people to stay away from floods, as hundreds of warnings are issued across the UK.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: "Communities across the UK have been badly hit by Storm Babet. This was the result in Scotland Please stay safe: don't travel in affected areas and keep away from floods."

Communities across the UK have been badly hit by Storm Babet. This was the result in Scotland

Please stay safe: don't travel in affected areas and keep away from floods#StormBabet #999Coastguard pic.twitter.com/Sr1ZqjPHU2

— Maritime and Coastguard Agency (@MCA_media) October 21, 2023

Northern Rail cancels some services due to flooding

Northern Rail said all lines between Cheadle Hulme and Wilmslow are blocked due to damage to the overhead electric wires.

Services are also not able to run from Sheffield to Nottingham or Lincoln due to flooding. Trains are also unable to travel between Leeds and Doncaster, Harrogate and Bradford.

The line between Newcastle and Morpeth is also closed due to viaduct damage, Northern Rail added.

Water floods a road in Bubnell (Villager Jim / SWNS)

Leeds Bradford Airport reopens after heavy winds forced flight off runway

Leeds Bradford Airport has reopened after heavy winds forced a Tui flight with 195 passengers and crew to skid off a runway on Friday.

Tui customers who were due to travel from Leeds Bradford on Saturday are being directed to Manchester Airport, the airline has said.