Published 20 October 2023
Last updated 23 October 2023 — See all updates
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 EA’s 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 EA’s 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 should sign up to flood
warnings and check the latest safety
advice as 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
at https://www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-at-risk-of-flooding and
follow @EnvAgency on X, formerly known as Twitter, for the latest
flood updates.
Find out if you’re at risk of flooding in England here.
You can also use this
interactive map to see areas of flood risk.
