Flood warning: People advised to leave 1,300 homes in north Bedfordshire
Video report by ITV News Reporter Ellie Pitt
People living in 1,309 homes in north Bedfordshire have been told to move to safety because of flooding, which police fear may put lives in danger.
A number of flood warnings are in place along the River Great Ouse and there are fears of more rain to come on Boxing Day.
Superintendent Steve Ashdown says “River levels are extremely high and we are expecting this to have a significant impact across Bedford Borough over the next 24 hours. The fact this is happening on Christmas Day makes the situation even worse, especially after the disruption so many of us have had to our plans already, and I really do sympathise with people. But this is a really serious situation and we need people to take action in order to keep themselves safe.”
People who need to leave their homes can seek refuge with family or friends.
Officers say this overrides the current Covid-19 regulations around mixing with people because of the potential threat to life posed by the flooding
People leaving their homes are being asked to turn off gas, water and electricity and move any valuables upstairs.
Officers advise people to only take what they need such as medication and any insurance documents.
Bedford Borough Council has set up COVID-safe emergency assistance centres at Bedford International Athletic Stadium and Bromham Village Hall in Bromham for those people who have to evacuate but don't have anywhere else local to go.
This morning fire crews rescued 9 people and 3 dogs from a severely flooded property in Harrold.
Today pictures show the extent of the flooding
The arrival of Storm Bella on Boxing Day will bring further downpours and winds of up to 60-70mph in exposed coastal locations, according to the Met Office.
Across England, a total of 85 flood warnings and 110 flood alerts, as well as the two severe flood warnings, remained in force at 4pm on Christmas Day as huge amounts of water flowed through river catchments