Storm Babet: Third person dies after getting caught in floodwater
A third person died as Storm Babet hit the UK after they got caught in fast-flowing floodwater in Shropshire on Friday. West Mercia Police said the man, in his 60s, became trapped in water from a brook that breached a road in Cleobury Mortimer shortly before 10.40am. Officers from the force and Shropshire Fire and Rescue attended the scene, but the man was found dead at 12.35pm.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “When ambulance crews arrived on scene they quickly began working with fire and police colleagues to try and find the man, who was reported to have gone under the water by a member of the public. “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.”
It comes after Police Scotland revealed that a falling tree hit a van near Forfar in Angus on Thursday evening, killing the 56-year-old driver. A 57-year-old woman also died on Thursday after being swept into a river in the region. Read all the developments from the day below.
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‘Considerable risk of flooding’ on River Don
Aberdeenshire Council has warned of “considerable risk of flooding” on 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.”
Pictured: Firefighters help passengers disembark plane at Leeds Bradford Airport
Firefighters help passengers disembark a plane at Leeds Bradford Airport that skidded off the runwayCredit: Ben Lack5:36PM[4]
Major incident declared in Derbyshire
A major incident has been declared in Derbyshire because of the impact of Storm Babet. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Most roads in Derbyshire are affected by flooding and many are closed.
“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.”
Eight people and a dog rescued in West Midlands
Eight people and a dog had to be rescued by firefighters after becoming stranded in floodwater in the village of Balsall Common, near Solihull. West Midlands Fire Service said: “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.”
Leeds Bradford Airport remains closed
Leeds Bradford Airport has been closed after a plane skidded off the runway earlier today in heavy rain. A spokesperson said: “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.”
Suffolk declares major incident
Suffolk has declared a major incident amid severe flooding caused by Storm Babet, the local authority said. Suffolk County Council told residents not to travel unless “absolutely necessary” and to take extra precautions where possible due to the conditions being too dangerous.
Motorists were advised to travel only where essential to avoid overburdening emergency services. Jon Lacey, chief fire officer for the county, said: “The continuous heavy rainfall across Suffolk is causing severe flooding in several locations but is also making driving conditions more dangerous for everyone.” The council said it was monitoring the situation as more rain is forecast over the weekend, adding: “We must all take action to ensure lives are protected.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attends 70 weather related incidents
Emergency personnel evacuate people from their homes in Brechin, ScotlandCredit: Russell Cheyne/Reuters
A rare red weather warning has been issued for parts of ScotlandCredit: Andrew Milligan/PA
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed they have attended almost 70 weather related incidents across Scotland including rescues from homes and floodwaters.
SFRS said they had received around 750 emergency calls across Scotland and attended 300 incidents since Thursday.
Parts of Scotland are only accessible by boat
Parts of Scotland are only accessible by boat after mass flooding left residents stranded. Areas of North East Scotland including the entire village of Brechin faced the “completely unprecedented” conditions, Angus Council said. Coastguard Rescue Teams have been helping families in the town leave their homes going door-to-door and even carrying some residents out on inflatable dinghies.
Plane slides off runway at Leeds Bradford Airport
Emergency services approach the Tui plane on a grass verge next to the runwayCredit: Danny Lawson/PA
An aircraft has veered off the runway after landing at Leeds Bradford Airport on Friday.
The Boeing 737-800 was arriving from Corfu and is understood to have slid off the track onto grass banking at around 1.50pm. Emergency services were attending to passengers shortly after the incident. The TUI plane has a capacity of 189 passengers.
It isn’t known if there were any injuries. A spokesperson for Leeds Bradford Airport said: “We can confirm TUI flight TOM3551 arriving from Corfu at LBA this afternoon has moved off the runway whilst landing. “We are working with the airline, relevant operations teams and emergency authorities to address this situation and remove passengers from the aircraft safely.”
Do not drive through flood water, says West Midlands Fire Service
West Midlands Fire Service (WMAS) has urged people not to drive through flood water after a car was pushed 30 metres down a fast-flowing river in Northfield, Birmingham.
The driver, a man believed to be in his early 40s, had attempted to pass through a ford in The Mill Walk at around 8.30am on Friday, WMAS said. His vehicle was rapidly pushed downstream, before getting stuck, forcing the man to climb to safety on the roof of his vehicle, before using a tree branch to make his way to the embankment. From there, he was led to safety by fire crews an hour after the initial 999 calls.
WMAS said he had a “lucky escape”, adding: “We repeat: Do not drive into flood water. It puts you, and our firefighters who respond, in very real danger.”
Pictured: Storm Babet submerging vehicles and leaving residents stranded
Flood waters surround cars and houses along Heron Rise, DundeeCredit: Lesley Martin
Driver stuck in deep water on a flooded road near Hamerton in Cambridgeshire on FridayCredit: Bav Media
Rosemary Brown looks at flood water outside her property onto River Street in Brechin, ScotlandCredit: PA/Andrew Milligan2:11PM[13]
Sunderland University has closed a campus
Sunderland University has closed its St Peter’s campus due to the weather. A spokesperson said: “There will be no access to the campus today or over the weekend.
“The University’s city campus remains open as normal.”
Homes near Dundee will be evacuated
Homes in Monifieth, near Dundee, will be evacuated due to flooding, Angus Council has confirmed. Councillor Lloyd Melville said he could not confirm the numbers affected but urged residents to leave if they are asked to. He said: “It will be hard for some people to leave their homes but they absolutely need to do so if asked.”
More than 27,000 homes in Scotland were without power
Cars lie partially submerged in Brechin, ScotlandCredit: Andrew Milligan/PA
More than 27,000 homes in Scotland were without power in the wake of Storm Babet.
But 24,000 houses across Aberdeenshire, Angus and Perthshire have now been reconnected, according to Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN). Around 4,000 properties were still without power on Thursday, with SSEN work ongoing. Andy Smith, operations director, said: “Storm Babet’s severe effects continue to be felt, but our teams are making good progress.
“We have reconnected the majority of our customers who lost their supplies, and that effort continues today.
Babet set to continue into Saturday
Storm Babet is set to continue into Saturday with widespread impact on transport and infrastructure expected, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has said. SEPA has issued 12 regional flood alerts, 16 localised flood warnings and five severe flood warnings across Scotland. The agency said there remains a danger to life, with a large part of central and north-east Scotland expecting more severe weather throughout Friday and into Saturday.
Network Rail cancellations
National Rail said flooding has blocked all lines running through Swindon.
There is also major disruption in the Midlands and northern England. No trains are running between Derby and Sheffield or Nottingham. Other routes blocked include between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley; between Shrewsbury and Hereford/Wolverhampton; between Hereford and Birmingham New Street.
There are also no services between Chester and Crewe; between Wrexham Central and Bidston; and between Chester and Hooton.
A lighthouse damaged in Storm Babet
A lighthouse at the mouth of the River Tyne has been damaged in Storm Babet, port officials said. With the ongoing dangerous sea conditions, it was not safe to assess the damage to the lighthouse at South Shields, the Port of Tyne authority said. No traffic was going in and out of the river with 6m of sea swell, it said.
The public have been urged to keep away from the area, particularly the piers, by the port authority, due to the unsafe weather conditions.
The force of the waves have taken the top off the lighthouse at Tynemouth. #StormBabet is making her presence felt here. pic.twitter.com/NNKiqoYYPU[19][20]
— Andy Kerr (@AndyKerrtv) October 20, 2023[21]12:31PM[22]
Flooded homes may not be accessible until Christmas
People who had to flee their homes because of the “unprecedented” floods caused by Storm Babet may not be able to re-enter until after Christmas. Rescue operations are underway in the Scottish town of Brechin, Angus, after flood defences were breached in the early hours of the morning, leading to hundreds of homes being surrounded by water. The local council has appealed for donations of warm clothes after 40 people turned up to rest centres while “soaked”.
There is also an ongoing helicopter search in Aberdeenshire following a report of a man trapped in a vehicle in floodwater. Parts of Brechin are now only accessible by boat and the area is said to be in a “serious emergency”. Gavin Nicol said the town’s flood barriers are 3.8 metres high but the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has warned the water could reach 5.0 metres.
He said: “With the amount of rain we’re getting it might even supersede that. “It’s just a disaster. The water is not going down, it is still rising.”
Babet changes Durham’s coastline
Storm Babet has caused changes to Durham’s industrial coastline, experts have said.
Researchers from Newcastle University are bracing the elements to document how the surging seas have eroded the landscape. They have already recorded waves washing away fragile and toxic coal waste deposits that sit just above the high-water mark, with even heavier seas expected. At the peak of the coal industry in the North East, approximately 2.5 million tonnes of waste were deposited on Durham’s beaches annually.
New red weather warning issued by Met
The Met Office has issued another red weather warning in Scotland for Saturday, saying further heavy rainfall could lead to more flooding and disruption.
The forecaster said: “Prolonged and very heavy rain is expected to develop across parts of Angus and Aberdeenshire area throughout Saturday, in areas already affected by severe flooding. “Accumulations of 70-100mm are expected over a period of 18-24 hours, the highest accumulations over the hills. “Less rainfall is expected around coastal areas, but impacts from the higher rainfall further west will extend towards the coast.”
The warning covers all day on Saturday.
Coastguard assisting families in Brechin
The Coastguard Rescue Team have been assisting families in Brechin, Scotland, after the River South Esk overwhelmed flood defences. Overnight teams went door-to-door by helping people leave homes that were flooded. Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “I cannot stress how dangerous conditions are in Brechin in particular.”
And Brechin councillor Jill Scott said: “It’s horrific. It’s just absolutely horrendous. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Emergency services assist in the evacuation of people from their homes in BrechinCredit: REUTERS/RUSSELL CHEYNE
Members of the coastguard rescue team wade through the flood waters to evacuate a man and a dog on October 20Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images11:34AM[26]
Babet brings 60mph winds
Gusts in excess of 60mph are likely on Friday, causing travel chaos by road and rail as storm Babet sweeps Britain.
National Rail Enquiries said train services are disrupted in north-east England and Yorkshire because of severe weather. Some lines are blocked between Sheffield and Lincoln due to flooding. Trains are unable to call at Rotherham.
Stagecoach has also warned customers that all Perth services will be cancelled from 6pm following the red weather warning. Amber warnings for wind and rain have been issued for parts of northern England, the Midlands and northern Wales from noon on Friday to 6am on Saturday. A yellow warning for Northern Ireland is also in place from 3am on Friday to 9am on Saturday.
On Thursday afternoon, a woman died after being swept into a river in Angus, amid the evacuation of 400 homes in the Scottish region. Police Scotland said the body of the 57-year-old woman was recovered from Water of Lee at Glen Esk, where a rare red weather alert is in place until midday on Friday.
Two dead after Babet
A 56-year-old motorist has died on Thursday after crashing into a tree, said Police Scotland. A spokesperson said: “Around 5.05pm on Thursday, 19 October, 2023, police received a report of a one-vehicle crash in which a tree struck a van on the B9127 at Whigstreet near Forfar.
“Emergency services attended, however, the 56-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the scene. “Next of kin have been informed and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal. “The road remains closed.”
Pictured: Flooding in Scotland
A woman walks through flood water in ScotlandCredit: Andrew Milligan/PA
River South Esk breaks its banks in the early hours on FridayCredit: Iain Masterton11:10AM[29]
A reporter soaked while covering Storm Babet
Watch: Water levels surge in a Scotland
Webcam footage of the North Esk River in Angus, Scotland, shows the storm surge following severe rainfall.
The video was captured from Gannochy Bridge in the village of Edzell, which is completely cut off by floodwater. Emergency services are currently unable to get through to the village, and the only emergency medical access is via air ambulance.
Foam whipped up by Storm Babet in Sunderland
A man walks through sea foam in Seaburn, Sunderland, as Storm Babet batters the countryCredit: Owen Humphreys/PA
Sea foam whipped up by high winds in Seaburn, Sunderland, as Storm Babet batters the country10:36AM[32]
Conditions on the road ‘extremely difficult’
Conditions on the road are ‘extremely difficult’ due to the rain brought about by Storm Babet, the RAC has said. It also cautioned drivers against driving through flooded roads.
Rod Dennis said: “We urge drivers to heed the warnings, especially where flooding has already happened or is likely over the next few days. “Drivers should never attempt to drive through floodwater as the risks are just too great. “It’s vital anyone who absolutely has to travel prepares themselves for a longer journey, or considers waiting until the storm has passed before making it.”
The Environmental Agency issues 44 flood warnings
The Environment Agency has issued 44 flood warnings and 143 flood alerts on Friday, with unsettled weather expected across much of the UK.
More than 400 houses out of power
More than 400 houses in Surrey lost power on Friday after a car flipped over and crashed into a utility pole following heavy rain.
No one was believed to be hurt after the crash in Brockham which happened after torrential downpours hit large parts of the country over the last 24 hours. Power was switched off by UK Power Networks whilst engineers carried out emergency repairs.
Flights cancelled amid stormy conditions
More than a 15 flights were cancelled at Aberdeen airport on Friday. Nine scheduled departures and seven arrivals did not take place due to the poor weather.
It comes after dozens of trips were called off on Thursday.
Watch: Storm Babet whips up sea foam in Scotland
Storm Babet hit Scotland’s east coast causing the water to foam in an unusual effect of the extreme weather. White bubbling foam is captured on video being whipped around by the strong wind in Johnshaven. The agitated liquid can be seen clinging to coastal buildings and swaying side to side.
River at highest ever level
The county of Angus, Scotland, is experiencing a “very serious emergency” with flooding.
Flood defences in the town were breached overnight, and social media footage shows water pouring onto a street. On Thursday, hundreds were told to evacuate their homes. Angus Council posted on social media saying: “Angus is in the middle of a very serious emergency.
Flooding is unprecedented. Levels are over half a metre over the last highest ever. “Do not travel!
If you think you have an appointment, you don’t! If you really think you need to get to work, check with your boss. If you’re a boss, please consider your employees and the need for them to attend work.”
A London cyclist commutes despite flooding
After a night of torrential rain, a cyclist gets caught in flooding this morning in Wimbledon, south-west LondonCredit: Alex Lentati/London News Pictures8:47AM[39]
Derbyshire village residents preparing to evacuate
Residents of Pinxton, Derbyshire, have been told to pack emergency bags amid warnings the River Erewash is about to burst its banks.
The government website told residents of Pinxton: “Please move possessions and valuables off the ground or to safety and have a bag ready with vital items like medicines and insurance documents.” Floods are expected elsewhere including the river, Langley Mill and Ilkeston, according to the government website. River levels will continue to rise until around 8pm on Thursday in Pinxton, it said.
Search underway for motorist trapped in flood
A search operation has been launched for a man thought to be trapped in a car in floodwater near the Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
A Coastguard helicopter and coastal rescue teams have been dispatched to Marykirk after the alarm was raised at around 03.00am A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Multi-agency searches are ongoing and the public are asked to avoid the area for their safety.”
Coastguard criticises people throwing life-rings into water
Coastguards have criticised those who have been throwing life-saving rings into the sea and pretending to help someone who is drowning despite no one being in danger. Jersey Coastguard said several of its rings have been swept away after a spate of misuse of the safety equipment.
Spokesman Dan Downey said: “Discarding a lifebuoy into the harbour when it isn’t needed is vandalism and could cause death or life-threatening injury if the equipment is then not available when it’s really needed by someone who’s in trouble in the water. “We would appeal to those who have been discarding this vital life-saving equipment to think again before jettisoning lifebuoys into the harbour. This deliberate, senseless misuse could have fatal consequences.”
Train services still suspended
ScotRail said train services remain suspended on several routes in north and north-east Scotland.
They are not operating between Aberdeen and Elgin; Edinburgh and Aberdeen via Fife; Perth and Aberdeen via Dundee; Dunblane and Perth; Perth and Aviemore; and Tain and Wick/Thurso. All Fife Circle services are also suspended, impacting services between Glasgow Queen Street and Aberdeen/Inverness; and Edinburgh Waverley and Aberdeen/Inverness.
Pictured: Flooded roads impact commuters
Traffic ploughs through flood water at Brent Cross in north London after heavy rain over nightCredit: Ben Cawthra/London News Pictures
Traffic ploughs through flood water at Brent Cross in north LondonCredit: Ben Cawthra/London News Pictures
After a night of torrential rain, flooding hits commuters this morning in Wimbledon, south-west LondonCredit: Alex Lentati/London News Pictures8:22AM[44]
River triples in height
A river in Perth and Kinross has tripled in height over 12 hours, according to realtime data from RiverTrack.
Council issues instructions to residents
Aberdeenshire Council has issued instructions to residents who may have to evacuate. “If the police, council or other emergency services, ask you to leave your home turn off the electricity and water supply at the main switch and take your grab bag with you,” it said.
“If you have to evacuate your home, it will make things a lot easier if you have prepared a ‘Grab Bag’ in advance containing a packing list to follow should you need to use it.” A spokesman for Angus Council said: “As ever, we will be targeting our energies and resources on the areas of greatest need, focusing on preserving life and ensuring the safety of our citizens.” Pascal Lardet, Sepa flood duty manager, said: “There is exceptional rainfall forecast for parts of Scotland over the next 24 hours, and this will lead to significant flooding from both surface water and rivers.”
Waves as high as 20ft
Paddleboarding instructor David Jacobs, 56, said he saw waves around 20ft high in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, and expects it to be worse on Friday.
Mr Jacobs said: “The waves were about 20ft, or seven metres. “The last time I have seen weather like this was 2014, it is quite spectacular to watch but bits of trees and rocks land onto the road. “It worries me for other people.”
Pictured: Storm Babet
Storm Babet causes a car to flip on the A406 North Circular near Henley’s CornerCredit: UKNIP
Waves at Stonehaven as UK is bracing for heavy wind and rain from Storm BabetCredit: Andrew Milligan/PA8:12AM[48]
Rivers to reach ‘unprecedented’ levels
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has issued a warning that river levels could reach an “unprecedented” five metres above normal levels.
Severe flood warnings have also been expanded. Angus, Scotland, experienced the highest rainfall in the UK on Thursday, according to data from Sepa. The Met Office revealed that Riverside Perth experienced 112mm rain, followed by Invermark – which had 107mm.
More than 20,000 homes in Scotland lost power, according to Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), predominantly in Aberdeenshire and Angus. By 9pm, SSEN said it had restored services to almost 18,500 homes.
Woman died after Babet flooding
A woman has died after flooding caused by Storm Babet saw hundreds of homes evacuated, while thousands were hit by power cuts across Scotland. First Minister Humza Yousaf led tributes to the 57-year-old woman who was swept away at the Water of Lee, Glen Esk, just before 2pm on Thursday.
Efforts were made to convince residents of Brechin, Angus, to evacuate 400 homes, with the coastguard and fire crews going door-to-door after some people refused to leave.
Welcome to The Telegraph live blog covering Storm Babet news
Good morning,
Welcome to The Telegraph’s live coverage of Storm Babet as it sweeps the UK.
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