It’s Merry Floodmas! Communities could be cut off as four inches of rain is predicted
Flood misery before Christmas: Homes are evacuated and stranded drivers are pulled to safety after four inches of rain sparks chaos in the South West
- Fire and rescue officers were called to the scene at Notter Bridge campsite in the early hours of this morning
- Evacuation mission followed reports that water had breached the flood defences set up at the Cornish site
- Vast swathes of the country have been told to brace for flooding today as Met Office issues 18 flood warnings
Homes have been evacuated and stranded drivers pulled to safety after four inches of rain sparked chaos in the South West today.
A mass-evacuation has taken place in a caravan park in Cornwall as 18 flood warnings are issued across the UK sparking fears that Britons could see a very wet Christmas.
Fire and rescue officers were called to the Notter Bridge campsite in the early hours of this morning amid reports that water had breached its flood defenses.
Meanwhile, a DPD delivery van driver stranded in flood water in Newbridge on Usk, in Wales, was rescued by emergency services who used a dinghy to cross the deep water.
And yesterday was no better, with pictures showing a lorry forcing its way down a submerged road near Welney in Norfolk.
The Met Office has predicted up to 4in (100mm) of rain could cut off communities as 18 flood warnings are in place in areas including Plymoth, Devon and Hereford.
A total of 18 people were evacuated and subsequently rehomed from the Cornish caravan site today – with 50 caravans searched to check on the welfare of their occupants.
The area’s local fire station took to Twitter to say the mass-flooding operation has since been ‘scaled back’ but officers remain at the scene to monitor the situation.
Devon and Cornwall Police as well as Dartmoor and Cornwall Search and Rescue were also in attendance.
A mass-evacuation has taken place in Cornwall as wide-spread flooding sparks fears that much of Britain could be inundated by downpours on Christmas day. Pictured: The flood water at the caravan site
Fire and rescue officers were called to the Notter Bridge campsite (pictured) in the early hours of this morning amid reports that water had breached the flood defences set up there
A total of 18 people were evacuated and subsequently rehomed from the Cornish caravan site today (emergency services at the scene) – with 50 caravans searched to check on the welfare of its occupants
The area’s local fire station took to Twitter to say the mass-flooding operation has since been ‘scaled back’ but officers remain at the scene to monitor the situation
Meanwhile, a DPD delivery van driver stranded in flood water in Newbridge on Usk in Wales, was rescued by emergency services who used a dinghy to cross the deep water
Many of us could really be splashing out next week as heavy rain forecast last night raised fears that some homes could be flooded at Christmas. This truck had to force its way down a submerged road near Welney in Norfolk yesterday
Weather warnings have raised fears of further landslips after 600 tons of rock fell from a 100ft cliff on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast near Burton Bradstock – 100 yards from songwriter Billy Bragg’s £2.4million home and 300ft from a cafe.
No one was injured.
Meanwhile the River Towy bursts its banks in Carmarthenshire as Wales bore the brunt of the severe weather, while flood barriers were installed at Bewdley in Worcestershire amid concerns at the high levels of the River Severn.
In Cornwall, 18 people have had to be evacuated from their caravans after water had breached the flood defences.
Approximately 50 mobile homes were searched to check on the welfare of occupants, some of whom have had to be rehoused.
The river Usk breaks its banks at Crickhowell, in Powys, Wales, as flooding continues to hit parts of the UK this morning
The river Usk breaks its banks at Crickhowell, in Powys, Wales, as flooding continues to hit parts of the UK this morning
The Met Office issued an amber ‘be prepared’ rain warning for South Wales running throughout today, where homes and businesses are likely to be flooded and delays or cancellations to train and bus services are also likely.
Forecasters also warned that ‘fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life’ in the region and said there was a ‘good chance’ communities could be cut off due to water on the roads.
Power cuts to homes and businesses are also likely, with rain developing this morning and lasting for much of the day with 1.6in (40mm) to 2.4in (60mm) expected quite widely over high ground in the warning area.
The Met Office said a few places are even likely to see 3.2in (80mm) to 3.9in (100mm) with much of this falling in around nine to 12 hours before clearing eastwards, which is ‘likely’ to cause flooding and disruption to transport.
There is a wider yellow ‘be aware’ warning for rain in the South West across Devon, Cornwall and much of the rest of Wales, which warns of a band of heavy rain moving east this morning before clearing overnight.
Many areas are expected to see 0.8in (20mm) to 1.2in (30mm), with Dartmoor likely to have 2.4in (60mm) to 3.2in (80mm). This follows plenty of rain in the area already this week, increasing the chances of flooding.
The warning raised fears of further landslips after 600 tons of rock fell from a 100ft cliff on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast near Burton Bradstock (pictured)
Flooded fields in Carmarthenshire today after the River Towy bursts its banks following torrential rain in parts of Wales
The heavy rain in the wider warning area will be accompanied by strong winds and a risk of thunderstorms, with gusts of 50mph to 60mph likely around coasts and over higher ground.
This is compared to average rainfall of 5.66in (144mm) for the whole of December in South West England and South Wales, meaning the amber area can expect nearly three weeks’ worth of rain in one day today.
CrossCounty said severe weather in the Dawlish area of Devon meant its trains were disrupted, with some northbound services starting from Exeter instead of Plymouth, and buses between Plymouth and Tiverton.
Buses also replaced Great Western Railway trains between Newquay and St Austell due to flooding on the railway.
Natural Resources Wales issued flood warnings for the River Towy at Carmarthen Quay and the River Ritec in Tenby.
Strong waves crash against the Dorset coast at West Bay today as the Met Office issues rain warnings in the South West
The agency said checks on flood defences are under way, as well as ensuring drainage grids and screens are clear to reduce the risk to people and their homes.
Sean Moore, duty tactical manager for NRW, said: ‘The band of heavy rain spreading across parts of Wales on Friday and into Saturday is expected to bring flooding impacts and disruption to many areas of South and Mid Wales.
‘We have teams out checking defences and monitoring river levels alongside Met Office advice to forecast flood risk, and we will update our flood alerts and warnings as appropriate.
‘We are urging people to keep a close eye on weather reports and on the NRW website for details on any potential impacts in their areas. We’re also advising to take extra care when travelling as conditions could be hazardous.’
