Flood warnings have been issued across our region with heavy rain expected from midnight tonight.
Low pressure to the south and west of the UK will bring rain across the region from midnight onwards. The rain will spread from the west and hence western parts will be affected initially but it will spread eastwards during the course of Tuesday 19 January. Further pulses of rain, heavy at times, are possible on and off everywhere until Thursday 21 January morning though tending to become lighter as it nears the coast.
This mild but wet weather has the potential to give 40-70 mm potentially 120 mm on west facing high ground.
A YELLOW warning has been issued covering all parts of the Yorkshire and Humber regions between 00:00 Tuesday 19 and 12:00 hrs on Thursday 21 January.
This warning comes with a LOW likelihood of MEDIUM impacts which means that:
• Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
• Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life
• Delays or cancellations to train and bus services are possible
• Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
• Some communities may be cut off by flooded roads
• Possible power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses
An AMBER warning of rain has also been issued valid 06:00 Tuesday 19 to 12:00 hrs Thursday 21 January covering the whole of West, South Yorkshire and west and southern parts of the Humber region.
This comes with a MEDIUM likelihood of MEDIUM impacts which means that:
• Homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
• Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life
• Delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely
• Spray and flooding probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
• A good chance some communities cut off by flooded roads
• Power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses likely
Check the latest flood warnings here
On Thursday morning as the low pressure moves off into the North Sea, there is the potential for snow, possibly heavy, to fall coupled with some strong gusty winds and this final fling of adverse weather for the working week has now been named ‘Storm Christoph’.
Please see our Flooding Page for up to date information about flood warnings and advice for householders to best prepare themselves in the event of rising flood water.
Keep an eye on social media for updates throughout the week, but please see below for some general advice:
- Please consider whether a 999 call is really necessary and leave crews available for helping the most vulnerable
- Is your call a genuine emergency? if not, might your local authority be able to help?
- Dog walkers and joggers (and anyone on foot) - please stay away from drains and rivers following heavy rainfall
- Officers will be monitoring the potential impact of the heavy rainfall across our wider region which may impact our Service area
- Stay safe on the roads: is your journey essential?
- Drive to the conditions and be patient especially during rush hour. Some routes may be busy or even closed in the event of localised flooding.
- Remember that roads will be slippery during wet conditions
- Don’t drive through standing water – as well as the water damaging your car, there may be hazards under the water you can’t see
- If you see a sign to say that the road is closed due to flooding, remember the sign is there for a reason.
- Don’t try to drive through or you might get stuck
If available for your neighbourhood, sign up for free flood warning messages from the Environment Agency’s Floodline: 0345 988 1188
If flooding has been forecast where you live, listen to local radio or check: www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-at-risk-of-flooding
Top tips for staying safe during floods
1. Think about flooding before it happens. Sign up for free flood warnings and create a personal flood plan.
2. Try to avoid contact with flood water. Do not drive through flood water and do not let children play in flood water.
3. Feeling distressed after a flood is normal. Support from family and friends is important during the recovery process.
4. Do not use petrol or diesel generators indoors to dry out your home. The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which can kill.
5. When cleaning up after a flood, wear rubber gloves, boots and eye protection, and wash hands afterwards.