LIVE UPDATES: Storm set to batter Derbyshire

Monday 10.00am: Reporter Michael Broomhead writes: “There’s quite a bit of surface water flooding on a number of roads across the county and there’s some debris including fallen branches. Thankfully, though, there are currently no reports of any major weather-related problems. The Met Office has just dropped its warning of wind in Derbyshire.”

Monday 7.00am: The St Jude storm has arrived in Derbyshire – bringing heavy rain and strengthening winds which are expected to continue throughout the morning. If you know of any disruption or would like to share pictures or video of the wild weather, email [email protected]

Sunday 7.00pm: The Midlands Environment Agency is warning of rising river levels and possible flooding at the River Doe Lea from Hardwick Hall to Staveley; the River Rother from Chesterfield to Staveley; the River Wye in the Ashford and Bakewell areas and the River Amber in Ambergate. For more information and advice, call Floodline on 0845 988 1188.

Sunday 5.00pm: Motorists are being urged to drive with “extreme caution” over the next 24 hours. Darron Burness, head of the flood rescue team at the AA, says: “The timing of this storm couldn’t really be worse, potentially causing significant travel disruption on Monday morning, which is one of the busiest times on the roads. Strong wind and torrential rain is an unpredictable and hazardous combination, which can be quite overwhelming when you’re driving. There’s likely to be tree and other debris on the roads as well potential flooding, so it’s very important to keep your speed down and drive with great care, particularly on country roads early on Monday morning when it’s still dark.” Martin Hobbs, of the Highways Agency, adds: “Drivers, especially those considering a trip with a caravan, are encouraged to think carefully before setting off as driving conditions are expected to be difficult. Be aware of sudden gusts of wind and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, motorbikes and bicycles plenty of space. Please be alert for warnings of road closures and follow signposted diversion routes.” East Midlands Trains says it is operating an amended timetable on Monday. For more information, log on to www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk

Sunday 2.30pm: With warnings of heavy rain from the storm, the Midlands Environment Agency says surface water flooding and some river flooding is expected through late Sunday and into Monday across the area.An Environment Agency spokesman says: “Teams are out working to minimise river flood risk, clearing debris from streams and unblocking culverts and will continue to closely monitor the situation. We are supporting local authorities who will respond to any reports of surface water flooding.”

Sunday 12.05pm: Home insurance companies say they are bracing themselves for a high number of storm damage claims. Claire Foster, of Direct Line, says: “We take the current severe weather and flood warnings extremely seriously and have put our emergency action plans into place. We have people on the ground and on the phones ready to help customers make a claim. Our priority is reassuring householders with Direct Line insurance and getting them back in their home as quickly as possible.”

Sunday 12.00pm: Reporter Michael Broomhead writes: “It’s currently rather wet and windy across parts of Derbyshire. But weather forecasters say this current unsettled spell isn’t from the St Jude storm – that’ll start picking up tonight.”

Sunday 9.35am: The Met Office has released the following advice to residents worried about the impending storm:

Before the storm

• Secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything else that could be blown into windows and other glazing and break them.

• Close and securely fasten doors and windows, particularly those on the windward side of the house, and especially large doors such as those on garages.

• Park vehicles in a garage, if available; otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences.

• Close and secure loft trapdoors with bolts, particularly if roof pitch is less than 30°.

• If the house is fitted with storm shutters over the windows then ensure that these are closed and fastened.

• If chimney stacks are tall and in poor condition, move beds away from areas directly below them.

During the storm

• Stay indoors as much as possible.

• If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees.

• Keep away from the sheltered side of boundary walls and fences – if these structures fail, they will collapse on this side.

• Do not go outside to repair damage while the storm is in progress.

• If possible, enter and leave your house through doors in the sheltered side, closing them behind you.

• Open internal doors only as needed and close them behind you.

• Take care when driving on exposed routes such as bridges or high open roads. Delay your journey or find alternative routes if possible.

• Slow down and be aware of side winds. Particular care should be taken if you are towing or are a high-sided vehicle.

• Do not drive unless your journey is really necessary.

After the storm

• Be careful not to touch any cables that have been blown down or are still hanging.

• Do not walk too close to walls, buildings and trees as they could have been weakened.

• Make sure that any vulnerable neighbours or relatives are safe and help them make arrangements for any repairs.

Sunday 9.30am: The Met Office has issued an amber ‘be prepared’ warning of wind in Derbyshire. Gusts may reach up to 80mph through late Sunday and into Monday. A Met Office spokesman says: “The public should be prepared for the risk of falling trees as well as damage to buildings and other structures, bringing disruption to transport and power supplies.” In addition, there is a yellow ‘be aware’ warning of up to 40mm of rain during the same period. The Met Office said flooding is possible.