Following the extreme weather brought on by Storm Babet, flood-hit communities across the UK are continuing to recover while three severe flood warnings remain in place in Derbyshire, where there is a significant risk to life. The second red “danger to life” weather alert in a week expired in eastern parts of Scotland after a day of heavy rain and high winds across the country, which led to the deaths of three people and caused extensive damage to infrastructure and property.
Brechin in Angus remains among the worst hit areas, with 60 households having to be rescued after they chose to remain in their homes despite an evacuation warning for the entire town. Meanwhile, in Wales, a severe flood warning was issued for villages on the banks of two rivers. Train services were also badly disrupted in Scotland on Saturday, and lines elsewhere in the UK were flooded.
Disruption on the rail network led to the closure of London’s King’s Cross station after National Rail said it was “too crowded to be safe for all passengers,” while Greater Anglia services were affected due to flooding in the Stowmarket area, and there was also “widespread” disruption across the Midlands. The sporting calendar was also hit with football matches postponed in Scotland and horse racing called off at Stratford-on-Avon and Market Rasen in Lincolnshire.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has warned that Saturday’s rain will “prolong flooding impacts” and cause additional disruption. The Environment Agency said flooding from major rivers could continue until Tuesday, as the Met Office red weather warning expired at 17:00 on Saturday, seven hours earlier than was initially forecast. No warnings are in place for the UK on Sunday.
Meanwhile, coastguard helicopters airlifted 45 workers off a North Sea drilling platform after it lost anchors during the extreme weather. People across Scotland remain in temporary accommodation due to floods. The Environment Agency is monitoring Ladybower reservoir in Derbyshire, which is close to capacity after heavy rainfall, with an overspill potentially causing flooding along the River Derwent.
Authorities across the UK are continuing to address the damage and impacts of the extreme weather, which has caused significant disruption and damage in many parts of the country. The government and emergency services have called on the public to remain vigilant, follow advice from authorities, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being
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