Ireland, UK: Flooding and associated disruptions due to Storm Babet ongoing across parts of both countries as of early Oct. 21 /update 3

Event

Adverse weather associated with Storm Babet and associated low-pressure areas is forecast to continue to affect Ireland and the UK through at least Oct. 21. Flood-related disruptions are ongoing across parts of southwestern Ireland after the storm passed over the region overnight Oct. 18-19. The heaviest rainfall is forecast in parts of eastern Scotland, where further rainfall accumulations of up to 10 cm (4 inches) are forecast Oct. 21. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds are likely to cause property damage and power outages. Associated disruptions to transport are probable during the passing of the storm.

Flooding in County Cork, Ireland, damaged hundreds of homes and businesses following heavy rainfall late Oct. 18. Emergency services had to rescue several people trapped by the flooding. Floodwaters have inundated several roads, and lingering disruptions are likely in the region over the coming days.

Derbyshire and Suffolk counties in the UK have declared a major incident due to flooding. Authorities in the UK have confirmed one fatality in the central England county of Shropshire Oct. 20 and two deaths in Angus Council, Scotland Oct. 19. Angus Council, Scotland, evacuated around 335 homes in Brechin and 87 homes in Tannadice and Finavon after flood defenses in the town of Brechin were breached. Some areas remain accessible only by boat. Authorities evacuated residents near the River Coquet in Rothbury, Northumberland, the evening of Oct. 20 after the river overflowed. Floods have inundated some houses and cut off several roads. Scotrail has suspended rail services on several routes; full details of suspended services are available here.

As of early Oct. 21, Met Eireann has issued the following weather warnings across Ireland:

• Yellow small craft warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale): Northern, eastern, and southern coastal areas Oct. 21 and southwestern coastal areas Oct. 22.

The UK Met Office has issued the following warnings across the UK Oct. 21:

• Red rain warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Parts of Aberdeenshire and Angus council areas in eastern Scotland.
• Amber rain warnings: Parts of northern, eastern, northeastern, and southeastern Scotland and northern England.
• Yellow rain warnings: Across the rest of eastern and central Scotland, most of England, and most of Wales.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil. Further disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are probable where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities will likely temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather will likely trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding will probably block regional rail lines; further freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions are probable in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations before traveling in affected areas. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Met Eireann
Met Office UK
Scottish Environment and Protection Agency Flood Updates
Environment Agency England Flood Alerts 
Natural Resources Wales Flood Warnings