Storm Babet: Major clean-up works start as three severe flood warnings still pose danger to life in Derbyshire

As of 6.20 pm there are currently 100 flood warnings in place in Derbyshire, including 48 flood alerts.

This comes after Environment Agency Flood Warning Officers have updated the list of flood warnings and alerts across the county.

A major incident was declared by all the councils and emergency services in Derbyshire earlier this afternoon as most roads in the county are affected by flooding and many are closed.

The amber weather morning is in place until 6 am tomorrow, on Saturday, October 21.

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Derbyshire County Council and emergency services have now declared a major incident across the county as most roads in Derbyshire are affected by flooding and many are closed.

Advice from all partners involved is as below:

Do not travel unless essential from now until further information is available later in the weekend, and continue to watch weather and flooding updates.

Look out for vulnerable neighbours, especially if they have care services who may not be able to reach them.

Never drive or walk into floodwater, even if it appears shallow – it could endanger your life.

Environment Agency Flood Warning Officers have updated the list of flood warnings and alerts across the county.

As of 4 pm on Friday, October 20, there are 91 flood warnings in place in Derbsyhire, including 45 flood alerts.

Traffic Monitoring website Inrix has reported that A61 Chesterfield Road in Shirland A61 is partially blocked in both ways. Traffic is qeueing due to flooding between the Blackwell turn off and the petrol station.

Several warning alerts have been issued across Derbyshire today as amber weather warning remains in place.

Continuous heavy rain has closed roads and schools across the county - as emergency services have their hands full.

20 residents have been evacuated from the Goyt Side area of Chesterfield, as it has been cordoned off due to extenht of the floods.

11 shocking photos show the extent of the damage caused by dreaful weather.

River levels are rising rapidly on the River Doe Lea at Staveley and Pools Brook at Duckmanton due to persistent rainfall.

The government agency has reported that this afternoon flooding may affect Bent Lane and Staveley Road.

Rainfall is expected throughout today, and river levels are expected to remain high.

Residnets have been urged to avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.

Firefighters are currently dealing with significant flooding in the Goyt Side area of Chesterfield, specifically Chatsworth Road. Crews were called to the area at 11.53 am today due to rising flood levels.

Specialist water rescue teams are working in the area to rescue stranded motorists and assist vulnerable residents. 20 residents have been rescued and evacuated by firefighters.

Members of the public are being advised to avoid the area and are specifically being asked not to cross Road Closed signs, or incident tape which may be warning of flooding in the area.

Area Manager Paul Moreland said: “Emergency services are dealing with significant flooding across the county with 20 residents being rescued from properties in the Goyt Side area of Chesterfield.

“The rescues that we have carried out in that area highlight the serious nature of the impact of Storm Babet and I need to ensure people listen to our warnings and follow our advice.”

Storm Babet is having a significant impact on roads and rivers across the whole county.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue have shared the following advice:

Drive to the conditions. Watch your speed, keep your distance from other vehicles.

Do NOT drive into any flood water – it may be deeper than in looks.

Do NOT drive into Fords in flood.

Keep away from fast flowing water.

Keep dogs on leads near water – NEVER enter the water to rescue someone or an animal from water. Call 999 immediately.

Beware of slippery and unstable paths near to open water.

Environment Agency Flood Warning Officers have updated flood warnings for River Derwent at Grindleford.

River levels have risen at the Chatsworth river gauge as a result of persistent heavy rainfall. Consequently, flooding of property and roads is possible to begin from 1pm today (October 20). Areas most at risk is Grindleford.

Further heavy rainfall is forecast over the next 12 hours.

Derbsyhire Police have shared a statement on their social media channels and website urging residents to only call 999 in emergencies.

The statement reads: “We are currently experiencing a very high volume of calls to both our 999 emergency and 101 non-emergency numbers. Please only dial 999 if you are in a life-or-death emergency. You may also experience a delay when dialling 101 non-emergency number. “

Due to the heavy rainfall with some roads flooding we’ve closed all our libraries today. Mobiles also not running. Derbyshire Record Office has also closed.

The council has announced the situation is likely to continue into tomorrow.