UK: Flooding and associated disruptions due to Storm Babet ongoing across parts of the country as of Oct. 23 /update 4

Event

Flooding and other disruptions related to the passing of Storm Babet are ongoing across parts of the UK as of Oct. 23. Authorities have confirmed at least four fatalities associated with the passing of the storm in recent days. Parts of eastern Scotland and northern and central England are among the worst affected areas. Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Suffolk counties have declared major incidents due to flooding. 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. Authorities evacuated around 500 homes in Retford, Nottinghamshire, due to rising water levels in the River Idle Oct. 22 and dozens of 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. The Environment Agency has reported that at least 1,250 properties across England have been flooded. Many rivers remain at high levels and officials have warned the threat from flooding will likely persist over the coming days. Hundreds of flood warnings and alerts remain in place along rivers and other water bodies across the UK as of Oct. 23. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as conditions change over the coming days.

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 affected by severe weather; 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 Office UK
Scottish Environment and Protection Agency Flood Updates
Environment Agency England Flood Alerts
Natural Resources Wales Flood Warnings