Ongoing river flooding continues to impact communities in parts of South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire
River levels are now starting to fall or stabilise in South Yorkshire, although the flood risk remains significant, with the lower River Don still experiencing high flows. Heavier bands of rainfall are also expected on Thursday and Friday, bringing a risk of further river and surface water flooding across flood-hit areas in South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire and West Lincolnshire, where river flows will remain high and ground is saturated.
There are currently five severe flood warnings in South Yorkshire with a threat to life, 39 flood warnings and 96 flood alerts.
The Environment Agency (EA) continues to work around the clock in its incident rooms and on the ground to reduce flood risk and keep communities safe. EA field teams are working 24/7 to clear debris from rivers, operate flood storage areas and pump away flood water.
A high-volume pump has been deployed to Fishlake to reduce water levels. In Lincolnshire, flood storage areas are being operated to protect 7,000 homes from the risk of flooding. An RAF Chinook helicopter was also deployed on Sunday 10 November to reinforce flood banks with aggregate in the Bentley Ings area of Doncaster.
Carol Holt, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:
“Following a month’s worth of rain in 24 hours last week, five severe flood warnings remain in place on the River Don.
“Further rain on Thursday and Friday may bring severe impacts from surface water and river flooding to parts of South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. Minor impacts are expected more widely across parts of England during this period.
“After the very wet autumn, rivers will respond quickly to further rain and the Environment Agency is planning for the impacts of further rainfall.
“Our incident rooms remain open 24 hours a day and we are continuing to work closely with local authorities and partners.
“People should remain vigilant, check their flood risk and plan to stay safe. We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to walk or drive through floodwater as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.”
