Brits warned to brace for yet more flooding as half a month's rain to fall today

24 October 2023 , 04:05

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Brits warned to brace for yet more flooding as half a month's rain to fall today

Concern is growing areas devastated by Storm Babet will experience yet more flooding as nearly half a month's rain is expected today.

A yellow weather warning is in place until 4pm today for several areas, including South Yorkshire, East Yorkshire, parts of Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. Communities in Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire, in particular, are still recovering from flooding caused by Storm Babet. Up to 50mm of rain is expected as the fresh band of low pressure moves in from the east, Met Office forecasters say. The service says "further impacts from flooding are possible".

The yellow weather warning in the east expires tomorrow afternoon while one in Wales came to an end last night (PA Graphics)

Met Office's website states: "An area of rain, some of which will be heavy, will move north across the region during Tuesday morning. There remains some uncertainty in the extent of the heavier rain, but given the already saturated conditions, where this occurs further impacts from flooding are possible. 10-20 mm of rain is expected to fall fairly widely, but a few places could see 30-50 mm; these higher totals more likely in Lincolnshire and Humberside."

Typically, the East Midlands - part of the fresh warning - experiences around 70mm of rainfall through the whole of October.Yet, Alex Burkill, meteorologist with Met Office, warns the rain on Tuesday will be heavy and persistent. He said: "We're going to see some heavy and persistent rain particularly towards the east, around the Yorkshire area, which is likely to see a total of 30-50 millimetres, So we could see some flooding and disruption to travel is quite likely." He added there will be intermittent showers across the south of England too, and these might be thundery at times.

Further high winds and rain will tear across Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire today (Donna Clifford/GrimsbyLive)

In Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, some rivers have exceeded their previous highest levels from 2007. These areas remain at high risk of further flooding, Environment Agency says. But it estimates 41,000 properties have been protected and as part of the its response, with 20 high volume pumps and five small volume pumps deployed across several sites in England alone.

Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts

Sarah Cook, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said: "Our heartfelt sympathies and condolences are with those who have lost loved ones in Storm Babet as well as those who are experiencing the devastating impact of having their homes and businesses flooded. More rain is expected, especially in the Nottinghamshire region falling on to saturated ground, meaning there is a risk of continued high levels on rivers such as the Trent and River Idle. Further significant river flooding is possible but not expected to continue into Wednesday.

A resident with a suitcase walks through flood water in Retford in Nottinghamshire (PA)

"Thankfully, we have protected more than 41,000 properties across affected areas throughout the country in the last few days, but it is vital the public remains cautious. 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."

Bradley Jolly