Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Torrential rain strikes flood-bound Britain

Andrea Babbington
Sunday 05 November 2000 20:00 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Dorchester this morning became the latest town to be struck by flooding as 400 homes were evacuated after the River Frome burst its banks.

Dorchester this morning became the latest town to be struck by flooding as 400 homes were evacuated after the River Frome burst its banks.

Torrential rain and gales are sweeping across the country and areas still recovering from last week's deluge are preparing to be swamped once again.

The Environment Agency has issued 12 severe flood warnings on eight rivers across England and Wales.

More flooding is expected across the country as a band of heavy rain coming in from the Atlantic spread from the west to hit the whole of England and Wales, the Agency said.

There was likely to be 35-40mm in 24 hours in most areas, it added.

Heavy rain fell overnight on battered York and Selby, but no flooding was reported and the Agency said it would be up to 24 hours before the downpour had an impact.

The River Uck burst its banks in Uckfield, East Sussex, but police said water levels had stabilised with only a handful of homes flooded.

A police spokesman said no-one had been evacuated from their homes and the condition was not expected to worsen.

The Environment Agency said river levels across the country were rising swiftly due to the heavy rain. New severe flood warnings have been issued in the Midlands and South East.

Flood banks were breached overnight at Gowdall on the River Aire but they have now been repaired and will be inspected by engineers at first light.

At Snaith, also on the River Aire, police and Environment Agency staff have been giving special loudhailer warnings to residents about the possibility of flood banks being breached.

River levels are rising in Yorkshire but the situation in York has improved.

Up to 30mm of rain fell in Yorkshire yesterday and water levels are expected to rise throughout today and into tomorrow.

The River Derwent and the River Ouse are expected to continue rising into Thursday.

The following severe flood warnings are now in force:

MIDLANDS

River Severn - Worcester, through to Gloucester River Churnet - Leek to Rocester, Staffs River Dove - Rocester to Uttoxeter, Staffs
River Ouse - Naburn and Acaster Malbis River Ouse (lower) - Barlby to Selby River Aire - Gowdall River Derwent - Lower Derwent from Elvington to Barmby River Derwent - Malton and Norton
The Lower Dee - Llangollen to Cheter (including Bangor on Dee)
River Frome - Dorchester, Dorset Western Rother - Liss to Middlehurst, East Sussex River Uck - Uckfield, East Sussex River Cuckmere - Hellingly, East Sussex Scrasebridge Stream (upper catchment of the River Ouse) - Lindfield and Haywards Heath, East Sussex River Rother - Mayfield to Newenden, East Sussex/Kent borders River Teise and Lesser Teise - Lamberhurst to Yalding, Kent River Beult - Pluckley to Betherseden, Kent

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in