Environment Agency
The Environment Agency is currently responding to severe flooding in the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire catchments, where some rivers have exceeded their previous highest levels from 2007.
While severe flood warnings on the River Idle have now been downgraded, the risk remains high in this area especially around towns such as Retford where further rain is expected late on Monday (23 October) and into Tuesday. Communities are therefore being urged to prepare for the risk of significant flooding for the rest of this week.
Tragically, a number of deaths have been widely reported and, sadly, the total number of properties reported to have been flooded stands at 1,260.
An estimated 41,000 properties have been protected and as part of the EAs response, twenty high volume pumps and five small volume pumps have been deployed across several sites. The Environment Agency is working round the clock with its partners to help reduce the risk. Teams are operating flood defences, flood storage reservoirs and putting up temporary barriers where needed to help protect communities.
As of 3.15pm on Monday 23 October there are 105 flood warnings, meaning that flooding is expected, and 108 flood alerts, meaning that flooding is possible. The EAs flood warning service has sent out over 300,000 messages by email, telephone and text during Storm Babet.
More flood warnings are expected to be issued across Yorkshire and the East Midlands into next week with river flooding expected to continue until the end of the week along the River Trent. Further flooding is possible from rivers and surface water on Tuesday and Wednesday for parts of the Midlands and the North East due to further heavy rain.
The public shouldsign up to flood warningsandcheck the latest safety adviceas heavy downpours are likely to fall on saturated ground.
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.
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.
People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation athttps://www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-at-risk-of-floodingand follow @EnvAgency on X, formerly known as Twitter, for the latest flood updates.
Find out if youre at risk of flooding in Englandhere.
You can also usethis interactive mapto