Storm Babet LIVE: Met Office issues new red weather warning as death toll reaches three

Three people were killed in Storm Babet as high flood waters caused misery for millions, with students and teachers forced to spend the night in schools. The Met Office[1] issued a second red weather warning some students and teachers in parts of Suffolk are facing spending the night at school after being stranded by floodwaters. Three people, two in Scotland and one in Shropshire, have so far lost their lives to the storm.

A driver was killed by a falling tree[2] and a woman was tragically swept to her death[3] in a river previously, both in a similar area of Scotland. Then, this afternoon, a third death was tragically confirmed, this time in Shropshire[4]. A man in his 60s died after being caught in fast-flowing water in the town of Cleobury Mortimer, West Mercia Police confirmed.

In parts of Suffolk, Debenham, Mendlesham, Stradbrooke, Stowupland, Framlingham and Wetheringsett, schools have become cut off, according to the council, meaning arrangements were being made to keep some students and teachers there overnight, for their own safety. Rescuers fought throughout today to reach some people still trapped in their in Brechin, Scotland, due to the sheer strength of flood water. Storm Babet has posed such a problem because it has been so slow moving.

This is because of a perfect storm of factors combined for its formation. A warm bloc of Scandinavian air from the north has kept it pinned in place over the UK. Looking ahead to tomorrow, there are a number of weather warnings in place covering most of the UK.

Only parts of the south of England and Wales escape, with yellow, amber and red rain and wind warnings in place. This live blog has now ended.

22:52Kieren Williams

Hero sheepdog saves stranded ewes after owner didn’t fancy getting wet

A heroic sheepdog saved three stranded ewes who were cut off by floodwater caused by Storm Babet. Llyr Derwydd, 44, a farmer from near Ruthin in Wales, said he had gone to check on his sheep in Flintshire on Friday afternoon when he saw three ewes “stranded on this little spot on the field” having been “cut off basically by the water”.

With the water producing dangerous conditions for a rescue, sheepdog Patsy was the heroine of the hour. Mr Derwydd said: “We thought we’d better go check, make sure all the sheep are safe, and that’s when we saw the three ewes stranded on this little spot on the field. “It was getting smaller and smaller so we thought we’d better get them off and make sure they’re safe.

I just thought, ‘I’ll see if the dog will go’. I gave her the command and she swam across. It was quite dangerous because I didn’t know how deep it was.

She’s a strong swimmer and she was able to swim across. “I knew she was quite a good swimmer otherwise I wouldn’t have done that, but I was quite surprised that she didn’t have any issues, she just went. (It) saved me getting wet and getting into a dangerous situation and saved the sheep so it was perfect.”

22:33Kieren Williams

200-year-old bridge swept away by Storm Babet

A 200-year-old bridge on the Rottal Estate, in Angus, has been swept away by Storm Babet. In one of the worst hit areas by the storm, the bridge was hit by torrential flood water whilst a nearby road also collapsed.

Dee Ward, 58, estate manager for the Rottal Estate said: “I think this is the new pattern, I don’t think we will go back to normal. The frightening thing is how much water is coming down in a short space of time. “I wasn’t surprised the bridge got washed away.

Big posts had been ripped out further up the hill. That bridge had been there 200 years, we had replaced the wood once.”

A moped covered in debris lies against a vehicle after being knocked over by flood water in Brechin, Scotland (PA)22:14Kieren Williams

‘Stop going to take pictures of flood water’ – fire service pleads

The fire service in Scotland has asked people to stop going out to take pictures of the flood water. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Deputy Assistant Chief Office Bruce Farquharson has asked the public to stop going out to get pictures of the floods during what he said was an “unprecedented” incident.

A member of the emergency services carries a boy from a house in Brechin, Scotland (PA)

Speaking to Radio Scotland’s Drivetime he highlighted how challenging the last 24 hours have been – amid concerns the worst is yet to come.

Alongside that he said that some people had seemingly been ignoring advice, The BBC[5] said, making their jobs even harder.

21:49Kieren Williams

Met Office forecast for Saturday

For many parts of the UK, Saturday will see a continuation of the wet and windy weather brought by Storm Babet. Scotland and nothern England, which continue to see the brunt of the low pressure system, will wake to heavy rain and strong winds. Wales will also see heavy rain early in the morning, but further south, in parts of England, there may be scattered showers and chances of bright spells.

A very wet start to Saturday in Scotland and parts of northern England with strong easterly winds

Brighter further showers, although scattered showers continue, particularly in the southeast Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/6OB1VcIQhO[6][7]

— Met Office (@metoffice) October 20, 2023[8]21:11Kieren Williams

Two women killed in a horror M4 crash

It has been confirmed that two women have been killed in a horrific five-vehicle crash on the M4. An air ambulance rushed to the scene in Wiltshire as Storm Babet continues to wreak havoc.

A HGV lorry overturned and four other cars were involved in the accident, which shut the motorway in both idrections at junction 18 and junction 17. Click here[9] toA lorry has overturned in a serious crash on the M4 (Tom Wren / SWNS)20:53KEY EVENT

Children and teachers forced to spend the night at schools to keep safe amid Storm Babet

Some students and teachers are spending the night at schools in Suffolk to stay safe amid Storm Babet. As of 8pm this evening, children and teachers were turning to schools and leisure centres as temporary shelters in Framlingham, Debenham, Mendlesham, Stradbroke, Stowupland and Wetheringsett – with farmers being drafted in to help with evacuations.

In a number of places, arrangements were being made to keep them there overnight and in others, it is becoming possible to reach schools.

A major incident is still in place in Suffolk following severe flooding caused by Storm Babet. Please only travel if absolutely necessary. For more information: https://t.co/Ey7j2sRBvP pic.twitter.com/VVVrm9gY8v[10][11]

— Suffolk CC (@suffolkcc) October 20, 2023[12]

This comes after Suffolk was one of a number of councils to declare a major incident due to flooding caused by the storm.

Jon Lacey, Suffolk’s Chief Fire Officer, said: “Although the rainfall is easing in many places, the sheer volume of surface water running off fields and onto Suffolk roads means conditions are still dangerous. We are therefore continuing to ask people to travel only where it is absolutely essential – for example collecting a child from school, accessing medical treatment or returning home from work. Reducing non-essential travel means more people stay safe and pressure on the emergency services is reduced.

“Although the Suffolk Resilience Forum will continue to do all it can to help protect our county, everyone needs to take precautions to ensure they do not put themselves and others in danger.”

20:42Kieren Williams

Police warn some communities seeing “most difficult conditions” ever faced

Police Scotland have warned that some communities are seeing some of “the most difficult conditions” they have ever faced. Assistant Chief Constable of Police Scotland Stuart Houston said: “With the red warning extended until midnight Saturday, this remains a dangerous situation which poses a threat to life. “Communities in Tayside are dealing with some of the most difficult conditions they have faced, with evacuations continuing of those affected by flooding.”

Police block a road in Kinghorn for safety reasons as part of the roof of a residential building in Kinghorn is torn off by high winds during Storm Babet (Getty Images)20:30Kieren Williams

First Minister pays tribute to two Scots who died during Storm Babet

Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf has paid tribute to two Scots who sadly died during Storm Babet.

Mr Yousaf said: “Storm Babet has now, tragically, claimed lives, and my deepest condolences go out to the families of those who have lost loved ones. Unfortunately, we have not seen the last of this storm.

Huge waves break over Dysart harbour in Kirkcaldy, Scotland (Getty Images)

“Around half the average monthly rainfall for October is expected to fall through tonight and tomorrow in areas already severely affected by exceptional levels of rainfall. “It was always expected that the impacts of the storm would continue even once the most severe aspects of the storm itself had subsided, but a new Red Weather alert makes the ongoing severity of this situation clear. “

19:57Kieren Williams

55,000 people in England left without power today

In England, 55,000 people were left without power due to Storm Babet, the Energy Networks Association has said.

Whilst around 45,000 were reconnected, as of earlier today around 10,000 still remains without power, Ross Easton, director of external affairs at ENA, said. He said: “Around 10,000 customers are without power in England, with the storm continuing to batter parts of the country. Around 45,000 customers have been reconnected already.

“The energy network operators have been contacting customers on the priority services register since before the storm began, checking in on them and making them aware of potential disruption. “Hundreds of field engineers, control room and customer service staff have been deployed to support and reconnect people as quickly as possible, as soon as it is safe to do so.”

19:45Kieren Williams

Around 50 people sheltering in leisure centre after cut off by flood waters

Around people Brits have been forced to shelter at a leisure centre after being cut off from their homes. Debenham, Suffolk, has been hit hard by the rain and wind brought by Storm Babet.

This has led to dozens of people sheltering at Debenham Leisure Centre – with staff there expecting more. Ness Rodgers, events coordinator at Debenham Leisure Centre, said: “We have about 50 people here but we are expecting more. “Nobody can get in or out of the village.

Tractors are picking people up who are stuck on the edge of the village. There are a couple of people here whose houses are flooded so they can’t get in. We’ve got lots of crash mats which we’ve laid out.

We’re trying to make people as comfortable and as calm as possible. We have one girl who’s hysterical because she just wants to go home.”

After a night of torrential rain, flooding hits commuters this morning in Wimbledon, south-west London (Alex Lentati/LNP)19:37Kieren Williams

Saturday’s yellow, amber and red weather warnings offer no relief to sodden Brits

Tomorrow will seemingly bring no relief to much of the UK suffering under Storm Babet. The Met Office has a large number of weather warnings in place for tomorrow.

A large amber rain warning covers the spine of England, from near Newcastle in the north down south almost to Birmingham. On top of that is a large yellow rain warning covering the east of England, most of Wales, and swathes of the midlands and all of north England. That’s complimentted by two yellow wind warnings for the north west, and east coast of England.

Then, the east of Scotland remains the centre of Storm Babet’s wrath with a red rain warning, multiple amber rain warnings, and yellow rain and wind warnings too. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland is set for more rain and wind too, with a yellow weather warning as well.

Tomorrow’s many weather warnings covering much of the UK (Met Office)19:26KEY EVENT

A third major incident declared

A major incident has been declared in South Yorkshire as Storm Babet continues to cause chaos across much of the north of England and Scotland. This marks the third such incident as local authorities battle the fallout from the severe rain and strong winds.

In a statement put out shortly after 7pm this evening, South Yorkshire Fire Service said: “Public agencies working across South Yorkshire have declared a major incident due to the current and expected impact on properties caused by Storm Babet. Residents are asked advised to check flood alerts for their areas and take any action which these may require.”

Public agencies working across South Yorkshire have declared a major incident due to the current and expected impact on properties caused by Storm Babet. Residents are asked advised to check flood alerts for their areas and take any action which these may require. pic.twitter.com/57YWXTa63f[13]

— South Yorkshire Fire (@SYFR) October 20, 2023[14]19:12KEY EVENT

TUI issue apology and key update to holidaymakers after plane ‘skids’ off runway

TUI have issued a new update after one of their planes ‘skidded’ off the runway at Leeds Bradford Airport, and ended up stuck on the grassy bank.

Amidst the chaos of Storm Babet, the plane ended up off the runway in a terrifying turn of events. Earlier this afternoon, the passengers were all safely removed – with no injuries – and now all bags have been taken off the plane. Now, for any other TUI holidaymakers due to fly from the airport today, the airline is due to ferry them to Manchester Airport and fly them out from there.

This only is for TUI customers though.

The landing didn’t go quite as planned (PA)

A TUI UK&I Spokesperson: “We would like to apologise to all those impacted by the closure of Leeds Bradford Airport on Friday 20th October following an incident that took place shortly after landing on TOM3551 from Corfu. The safety of our customers and crew is our number one priority and we can confirm there were no reported injuries, with all passengers disembarking the aircraft via the steps. “All bags have now been removed from the aeroplane and our teams are on hand to support customers with their onward journey, and we will continue to offer any support as required.

TUI customers due to depart on their holiday today will now be taken to Manchester Airport, where an aircraft is ready to take them on holiday as planned. Customers due to travel tomorrow will be contacted directly, with flights still planned to take place. TUI Airways is now fully assisting the AAIB with their investigation.”

19:06Kieren Williams

Eight people and a dog rescued from flooded rural village

Eight people and a dog had to be rescued after becoming stranded in floodwaters in a rural West Midlands village.

West Midlands Fire Service raced to save eight people, and a pet dog, after they were caught out by flood water in the village of Balsall Common, near Solihull. The people, five men, two women, a child and a dog, had to be saved from their vehicles, and extracted using safety rafts. In a statement, they warned people stay away from the area.

A stranded car in Wirral (Liverpool Echo)

The brigade said in a statement: “Please avoid the area around Balsall Street, Balsall Common.

Several people whose vehicles got stuck in the water there have been brought to safety on rafts by our firefighters “We were called at around 2.40pm. Crews responded from Canley and Sheldon fire stations, and our Technical Rescue Unit.

Five men, two women, a child and a dog were ferried from five cars and a van. No-one was hurt.”

18:55KEY EVENT

More evacuations as another town floods

Some residents in Rothbury, living near the River Coquet, have been told to evacuate their homes this evening. The Northumberland town has been hit hard by Storm Babet, The BBC[15] reported, with Councillor Steven Bridgett saying water levels had reached 2.75m – far higher than the forecast peak of 2.4m.

Some roads in the town have been cut off due to flooding as well. The Cllr added: “We are asking people to leave their properties at the Maltings…[and] residents are leaving their properties at the riverside. We have set up a multi-incident room in the Jubilee Hall, which is going to be the base for the police, fire service, and all of the other partners helping.”

18:44Kieren Williams

Storm Babet follows wettest two day period on record for Scotland

One of the reasons Storm Babet has posed such a challenge to Scottish emergency services is because swathes of the country faced heavy rainfall not even two weeks prior.

This has left grounds already sodden, and water bodies higher than they may have otherwise been. Aidan Mcgivern, speaking on the Met Office’s podcast, revealed that Storm Babet has followed the wettest two day period on record for Scotland. It came earlier in the month, on the 6 and 7 October.

Thankfully, rain then, peaking at 75-100mm of rain, was focused on central and western Scotland – with eastern Scotland seeing the worst of the ongoing storm. However, the east of Scotland still had 70-80mm of rain over the same weekend. He warned: “The rivers have been full, the ground has been wet, and that period, the 6 and 7 October, was the wettest two day period on record for Scotland.”

Waves crash against South Shields lighthouse after the top was ripped off as Storm Babet batters the country (PA)18:24Kieren Williams

RSPCA issues pet advice in case owners caught in floods

The RSPCA has issued flood advice for pet owners, in case they’re caught by the heavy rain.

If flood waters rise then owners should:

• Plan an escape route and bring small pets inside and move bedding and food to a dry spot.
• Keep a close eye on rabbits and guinea pigs, in particular, who are best housed indoors when temperatures fall below 15?C.
• Ensure cats have constant access to a warm indoor area and keep dogs inside and if they are out, away from rising waters in lakes and rivers.

A dog walker braves the elements at Blyth beach, Northumberland (Andy Commins / Daily Mirror)

• Seal documents such as microchip and vet details in a watertight bag along with a photo of your pet in case they get lost.
• If there is a need to evacuate a property then take pets’ food, bowls and bedding with you.
• Transport small pets in suitable carriers and dogs on sturdy leashes.
• If animals have to be left behind keep them in an upstairs room with plenty of food and water and leave notices on doors.
• Ensure there are contact numbers for emergencies and keep phone numbers of people who can help move animals.
• Move livestock to high ground and keep a supply of food and water in case of evacuation.

Relief in Brechin as cats Smoky and Matt are rescued from a flooded caravan site. #StormBabet pic.twitter.com/ojOOUsSl6T[16][17]

— Davy Shanks (@Davyshanks) October 20, 2023[18]

RSPCA inspectorate commissioner Dermot Murphy said: “It’s really important we help our animal friends get through this spell of bad weather, which is leading to widespread flooding. We have lots of helpful advice and tips available for people to make sure their pets and local wildlife are kept safe. “In areas affected by flooding owners should be looking to bring small animals inside and move them upstairs, while livestock should be taken up to higher ground with enough emergency supplies for their needs.

If householders do have to leave animals behind when they evacuate properties then they should keep them inside an upstairs room with plenty of food and water. “Wild animals can also struggle in stormy weather but people can help them too. For example, they could leave some extra food out for hungry birds above ground level and perhaps even provide shelter for ground-nesting birds.”

18:14Kieren Williams

Storm Babet ‘wasn’t a classic storm’

Storm Babet had a slightly unusual formation that set it apart from other storms that hit the UK.

Often, storms begin brewing out west of the UK, but Storm Babet was slightly different.

A man cycles along Clontarf promenade in Dublin as Ireland’s meteorological agency has issued fresh weather warnings for intense rain, days after parts of the country were severely flooded during Storm Babet (PA)

Speaking on the Met Office’s Weather Snap podcast, the Met Office’s Alex Deakin said: “It wasn’t a classic storm that brewed up out in the Atlantic, and really intensified just to the west of us then hit us with very strong wind. This has been brewing for a while actually down to the southwest, and it came in up from the Bay of Biscay, and quite slow moving and that’s been one of the problems with it.” The fact it’s been so slow moving has led to the rain being the bigger focus of Storm Babet, he added.

At the same time it was building, a bloc of high pressure was building in Scandinavia, which it’s now bumping against, being kept in place.

On this week’s #WeatherSnap podcast @clarenasir, @alexdeakin and @aidanweather reflect on the conditions that gave rise to #StormBabet[19][20][21][22][23] Listen here https://t.co/8akBaLWfXD[24]

— Met Office (@metoffice) October 20, 2023[25]18:05Kieren Williams

Friday evening forecast – spoiler alert: wet and windy

Most of the UK will continue to see wet and windy conditions due to Storm Babet throughout this evening and into the night. Some parts of the south of England may see clearer spells but should still expect showers throughout the night.

Storm Babet continues to straddle across much of the UK, especially northern England and Scotland, because of a warm bloc of Scandinavian air that it’s bumping against – keeping it trapped in place. When a bloc of warm and cold air meet, winds are usually stronger, and this combined with natural georgaphy in parts of Scotland, namely mountains, means air is hitting them, and rising quickly, leading to even more rainfall.

A very wet and windy evening with persistent rain across much of the UK Clearer spells further south and in the northwest, although showers continue overnight

Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/DCzJoMEdEC[26][27]

— Met Office (@metoffice) October 20, 2023[28]17:59Kieren Williams

Exact time some Aberdeenshire properties may be flooded by River Don

Aberdeenshire Council have warned locals of the exact time that some properties may face “considerable risk of flooding” from the River Don. A spokesperson said: “Latest modelling from Sepa is indicating that there is now a considerable risk of flooding on the River Don at Inverurie, Kemnay and Kintore tomorrow (Sat) between 10am and 2pm. “This has the potential to impact properties in low-lying areas and we would urge residents and businesses to get prepared and take immediate steps to protect their own property from flooding.”

A person walks through flood water in Scotland (PA)17:54Kieren Williams

‘More rain to come’ Scotland warned after two already dead

Scotland has been warned that there’s “more rain to come” after two people have already died during Storm Babet, in the country.

Vincent Fitzsimons from Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has called for Scots to heed official warnings amid the ongoing storm. Speaking on Sky News[29], he warned: “More rain is coming. More rain is coming overnight into Saturday and those water levels are going to rise again.

We will have seen well over two months worth of rain in north Scotland. That’s exceptional rainfall bringing exceptional river flows, record river flows in places like Britain.”

Rescue workers escort residents to safety from Brechin, Scotland,17:41KEY EVENT

Championship football match called off due to flooding

Rotherham and Ipswich’s Championship clash tonight has been postponed due to flooding. The home team’s New York Stadium sits along the River Done which burst its banks this afternoon.

In a club statement they said: “Rotherham United’s Sky Bet Championship fixture against Ipswich Town has been postponed on the grounds of supporter safety following discussions with representatives from the Safety Advisory Group and the EFL which took place shortly after 4:30pm on Friday.

Rotherham’s game against Ipswich has been postponed amidst the ongoing torrential rain and storms (PA)

“After the River Don – which courses around the perimeter of AESSEAL New York Stadium – burst its banks, urgent discussions between representatives from the Safety Advisory Group/Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and club safety personnel and the EFL – were held with the conclusion deeming the weather conditions and their subsequent effect on the surrounding area a danger to supporters. “This coupled with continued rainfall resulting in the flood waters rising and Don Street being closed to the public left the authorities with no choice but to postpone the game. Throughout the day the pitch at AESSEAL New York Stadium has remained playable but with the safety of everyone attending the match at the height of our priorities, the difficult decision to postpone the fixture has been taken.

“The decision was relayed to the EFL and our counterparts at Ipswich Town with all parties in agreement that postponing the fixture was the only possible way to ensure the safety of players, staff and supporters. It goes without saying that we are obviously disappointed for supporters due to attend and those set to watch at home given the game was being broadcast live on Sky Sports.

17:39Kieren Williams

A second major incident declared amidst Storm Babet

A second major incident has been declared due to Storm Babet. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue service have declared a major incident in the county due to the dangerous weather conditions.

They warned people should stay inside unless absolutely necessary to go out. In a statement, they said: “Most roads in Derbyshire are affected by flooding and many are closed.

Three people have now died during Storm Babet (Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)

“We are calling on our communities to follow the advice below to keep safe: Do not travel unless essential from now until further information is available later in the weekend. Continue to watch for weather and flooding updates.

Look out for vulnerable neighbours, especially if they have care services who may not be able to reach them. “Never drive or walk into floodwater, even if it appears shallow – it could endanger your life.”

17:26Kieren Williams

Some parts of England saw 4 inches rain over 36 hours

Some parts of England saw four inches of rain over a wet and windy 36 hour stint during Storm Babet. Redmires, Sheffield, saw 102mm of rain from midnight on October 19, to 1pm the next day – a massive four inches of rain.

Similarly, Wakefield, west Yorkshire, saw 100mm of rain over the same time period according to the Met Office.

The rest of the UK has also seen heavy and persistent rain over the past 36 hours, with more on the way this afternoon pic.twitter.com/6krIsmp3Hh[30]

— Met Office (@metoffice) October 20, 2023[31]17:12Kieren Williams

Desperate search and rescue was conducted for missing man who sadly died

Emergency services conducted a search and rescue in a race against time to try and find a man in his 60s who got caught in fast-flowing flood water. The man was caught in water from a brook that breached a road in Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire, this morning. West Midlands Ambulance Service attended along with colleagues from police and fire services after reports the man had gone under water.

A spokesperson said: “Following a thorough search and rescue operation, the man was rescued from the water. However, sadly it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.” The ambulance trust said it had sent sent one ambulance, two paramedic officers, the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham to the scene near to Furnace Mill Fishery.

Aerial views of Brechin after the River South Esk breaks its banks in the early hours on Friday (Alamy Live News.)16:56KEY EVENT

Leeds and Bradford Airport now shut after plane ‘skidded’ off runway

Leeds and Bradford Airport is now shut, following a shocking incident earlier that saw a Boeing 737-800 seemingly skid off the runway.

All passengers have been safely disembarked from the plane, with it confirmed that there were no injures. But the airport is now shut as they work with the airline to resolve the situation. A spokesperson for Leeds Bradford Airport, told The Mirror: “We can confirm there are no reported injuries from this incident and that all passengers have now safely disembarked the aircraft.

The airport is now closed. We are working with the airline, relevant operations teams and emergency authorities to resolve this situation and return services safely as quickly as possible. We ask passengers to contact their airline to check the status of their flight before travelling to the airport.”

Emergency services at the scene after a passenger plane came off the runway at Leeds Bradford Airport while landing in windy conditions during Storm Babet (PA)16:43KEY EVENT

Third death caused by Storm Babet as man caught in ‘fast-flowing water’

There has been a third death caused by Storm Babet.

A man in his 60s has sadly died after getting caught in fast-flowing flood water in the town of Cleobury Mortimer in Shropshire on Friday, West Mercia Police said. A member of the public reported that a man went under the water shortly before 10.40am this morning. Officers from West Mercia Police and Shropshire Fire and Rescue quickly attended but he was found dead at 12.35pm.

Formal identification has yet to take place but the family have been informed and are being supported by officers. A man was previously killed when a falling tree hit his van, and before that a woman’s body was recovered from a river – both took place not far from one another in Angus, eastern Scotland.

Members of the emergency services carry residents belongings to safety in Brechin, Scotland (PA)

Click here[32] to16:41Kieren Williams

Heavy rail disruption in Scotland could last until Sunday

There’s heavy rail disruption in Scotland that could last until Sunday due to Storm Babet. Train operator ScotRail has warned of disruption to services with a number of routes closed, and they will only reopen when it is safe to do so – given the extreme rain and strong winds.

Alongside that, because of the weather, it is taking engineers longer than usual to inspect routes and assess damage. The routes affected are between:

• Aberdeen and Elgin.
• Edinburgh and Aberdeen via Fife.
• Perth and Aberdeen via Dundee.
• Dunblane and Perth.
• Perth and Aviemore.
• Tain and Wick / Thurso.
• All Fife Circle services.

Flooding at Wood End train station (Martin O’Callaghan)

Customers have been warned they should only travel if necessary on routes affected. Services between Glasgow Queen Street and Aberdeen/Inverness, and between Edinburgh Waverley and Aberdeen/Inverness are also subject to disruption.

Other routes across the network are still being impacted by precautionary speed restrictions, meaning services may be subject to delay or cancellation. David Simpson, ScotRail service delivery director said the impact of Storm Babet has been “extremely challenging”. He added: “We want to thank customers for their continuing understanding as we make all possible efforts to inspect routes for damage, before reopening them when it is judged safe to do so.

We know the impact the withdrawal of some train services has on customers, but our first priority is always to ensure the safety of our staff and customers. For routes in the south and west of Scotland, customers are encouraged check their journey before setting off, and keep an eye on our website, mobile app, or social media channels for live updates.”

16:24Kieren Williams

Passengers currently being removed from plane that ‘skidded’ off runway

Passengers are currently being removed from the plane that skidded off the runway at Leeds Bradford Airport. A TUI plane coming in fromt Corfu, slid off the runway and into the nearby grass banking.

Thankfully no one is hurt, with an aiport spokesperson confirming to the Mirror that people were currently being taken off the plane.

The Boeing 737-800 flying from Corfu was landing at Leeds Bradford Airport when it all went wrong (Bradford T&A / SWNS)16:20KEY EVENT

Over 230 flood warnings in England and Scotland

Amid the ongoing carnage caused by Storm Babet, over 230 storm warnings, where flooding is expected, have been issued in England and Scotland. There are 221 flood warnings in England, covering swathes of the country – as it sees the worst it has of Storm Babet so far. Meanwhile Scotland, that has faced the brunt of the storm so far, has five severe flood warnings, and 16 flood warnings.

Click here[33] for Scotland’s flood warnings and click here[34] for England’s flood warnings.

There are a huge number of flood warnings in place across England and Scotland (PA)

References

1. ^ Met Office (www.mirror.co.uk)
2. ^ driver was killed by a falling tree (www.mirror.co.uk)
3. ^ a woman was tragically swept to her death (www.mirror.co.uk)
4. ^ a third death was tragically confirmed, this time in Shropshire (www.mirror.co.uk)
5. ^ , The BBC (www.bbc.co.uk)
6. ^ #WeatherAware (twitter.com)
7. ^ pic.twitter.com/6OB1VcIQhO (t.co)
8. ^ October 20, 2023 (twitter.com)
9. ^ here (www.mirror.co.uk)
10. ^ https://t.co/Ey7j2sRBvP (t.co)
11. ^ pic.twitter.com/VVVrm9gY8v (t.co)
12. ^ October 20, 2023 (twitter.com)
13. ^ pic.twitter.com/57YWXTa63f (t.co)
14. ^ October 20, 2023 (twitter.com)
15. ^ The BBC (www.bbc.co.uk)
16. ^ #StormBabet (twitter.com)
17. ^ pic.twitter.com/ojOOUsSl6T (t.co)
18. ^ October 20, 2023 (twitter.com)
19. ^ #WeatherSnap (twitter.com)
20. ^ @clarenasir (twitter.com)
21. ^ @alexdeakin (twitter.com)
22. ^ @aidanweather (twitter.com)
23. ^ #StormBabet (twitter.com)
24. ^ https://t.co/8akBaLWfXD (t.co)
25. ^ October 20, 2023 (twitter.com)
26. ^ #WeatherAware (twitter.com)
27. ^ pic.twitter.com/DCzJoMEdEC (t.co)
28. ^ October 20, 2023 (twitter.com)
29. ^ Sky News (news.sky.com)
30. ^ pic.twitter.com/6krIsmp3Hh (t.co)
31. ^ October 20, 2023 (twitter.com)
32. ^ here (www.mirror.co.uk)
33. ^ here (floodline.sepa.org.uk)
34. ^ here (check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk)