Severe flood warnings lifted but more expected amid forecasted heavy rain
Ellie Pitt reports from Derbyshire, where hundreds are being evacuated
Three severe flood warnings have been lifted on the River Derwent in Derby, and two on the River Idle in the East Midlands after Storm Babet caused waters to rise to a dangerous level.
But the Environment Agency said more flood warnings are expected to be issued across these regions into next week.
“River flooding will continue into Wednesday along the River Severn," it said. “Further flooding is possible from rivers and surface water on Tuesday and Wednesday for parts of England due to further heavy rain.”
It added: “As of 20.10pm on Sunday October 22 there are 128 flood warnings, meaning that flooding is expected, and 127 flood alerts, meaning that flooding is possible.”
The Evironment Agency said the public should sign up to flood warnings and check the latest safety advice as heavy downpours are likely to fall on saturated ground.
It comes as 83-year-old Maureen Gilbert was found dead in her home on Saturday morning in Chesterfield, taking the number of people who have died since the storm hit the UK to at least four.
Meanwhile, 57-year-old who died after being swept into the Water of Lee, Glen Esk, on Thursday, has been named as Wendy Taylor.
She was described as “a ray of sunshine for everyone who was fortunate enough to know her” in a family tribute issued through Police Scotland.
The Environment Agency has warned that major rivers could still be flooded until Tuesday and train services are disrupted across parts of Scotland, Yorkshire and East Anglia, with some routes still flooded.
Firefighters in Derbyshire evacuated up to 250 homes in Sandiacre, as the storm caused significant damage in the village on the Nottinghamshire / Derbyshire border.
Drone shot by Ashley Kirk
According to the agency, the total number of flooded properties in England is 1,250 with a further 30,000 protected by defences.
Katharine Smith, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Widespread flooding is probable from rivers today (Sunday) in parts of the Midlands and the north of England. River flooding may continue into Monday 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.
“We also advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and urge people not to drive through floodwater as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.”
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.
Three severe flood warnings, which means risk of death and serious injury, had been in place around the River Derwent in Derbyshire over the weekend but were downgraded on Sunday morning.
Derbyshire Police said they were called at around 10.35am on Saturday to the sudden death of a woman in Tapton Terrace, Chesterfield, and the force believes it was “related to the flooding seen in the Chesterfield area”.
Meanwhile, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) has advised its customers there are no services operating north of Edinburgh to Aberdeen.
ScotRail said routes remain closed between Aberdeen and Dundee, and Aberdeen and Elgin.
The Scottish train operator said it cannot run services on the Fife Circle route, or between Inverness and Wick, Thurso and Kyle of Lochalsh.
Met Office spokesman Dave Britton said those worst affected by the flooding caused by Storm Babet could see “a couple of quieter days”.
Mr Britton told the PA news agency: “Certainly through today and tomorrow, (there is) a period of more settled weather allowing for a respite for recovery.
“There is this pulse of rain moving its way north overnight later on Monday and into Tuesday, but the rest of the week does look like it remains rather unsettled with spells of rain at times.
“But there are no warnings in force at the time for the remainder of the week, bar an ice warning for part of North Scotland tonight.”
The Energy Network Association (ENA) said a “small handful” of homes would still be without power on Sunday after around 100,000 customers were initially affected by power cuts.
On Friday, a man in his 60s died after getting caught in fast-flowing floodwater in the town of Cleobury Mortimer in Shropshire.
Police Scotland previously said a falling tree hit a van near Forfar in Angus on Thursday evening, killing the 56-year-old driver.
A 57-year-old woman also died on Thursday after being swept into a river in the region.
A search is also under way in Aberdeenshire after a report of a man trapped in a vehicle in floodwater.
Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...