Environment Agency warns rivers "will continue to rise over next few days," as flood barriers deployed across Midlands

PA STORM CHRISTOPH LEICESTERSHIRE 20012021
Flooding underneath the A46 at Six Hills Lane in Leicestershire, as Storm Christoph is set to bring widespread flooding, gales and snow to parts of the UK. Credit: PA, Jacob King

Flood barriers are being deployed and strengthened across the region as Storm Christoph continues to bring heavy rainfall and rising river levels.

The Midlands could see double the average rainfall for the whole month in two and a half days.

Although a representative for the Environment Agency told ITV News Central we won't be seeing a return to devastating flooding like last year, he says rivers will continue to rise over the next few days.

Marc Lidderth, from Environment Agency West Midlands, also said barriers were going up today along several vulnerable parts of the River Severn. He also says that they'll be other operational activities, such as pumping - for example at Kempsey, Worcestershire.

Barriers going up today include:

  • Ironbridge

  • Shrewsbury

  • Bewdley

  • Upton-upon-Severn

In the East Midlands, flood warnings have been issued along the River Derwent at Matlock and Darley Bridge. Derbyshire County Council has announced that Darley Bridge is now closed due to "high river levels." 10 flood alerts are currently in place across Derbyshire. Another bridge, Silk Mill, in Derby will also be closed as a precaution.

18 flood alerts are in force in Nottinghamshire, particularly along the River Trent. In Leicestershire, the Fire & Rescue Service has asked any potential affected residents to have prepared a flood plan.

Alex McDonald from the Environment Agency, told ITV News Central "they are keeping their eyes on the Derwent" for the East Midlands tonight for any potential flooding.

Our reporter Rajiv Popat spent the day finding out how people are preparing in Derbyshire. There are flood warnings around Bakewell and Darley Dale, and as more rain falls overnight, that water will move towards Matlock, Belper and Derby. 

These are the views at Ironbridge on the River Severn, which was battered in the February 2020 storms. The Environment Agency says "due to heavy rain across Shropshire & upper Severn, barriers are needed to protect communities from flooding. "Wharfage resurfacing prep work had started, however this work is postponed while the barriers are needed."

The team expect it'll take all day to put up the metal barriers, with the sheets going up either tonight or tomorrow. They have also said they are expecting the river to peak on Friday.