Storm Babet: Footage shows Wood End station ‘turned into a canal’

The Environment Agency has warned hundreds of communities to stay vigilant for flooding this week as Storm Babet leaves a lasting mark on the UK.

The storm is far from finished stirring its chaos as, while the system’s vicious wind and rain have abated, flooding remains a significant concern for thousands of Britons.

The agency has warned that hundreds of areas across the country are still reeling from the autumn onslaught.

Excessive rainfall caused some rivers to burst their banks and flow through communities in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with up to a foot of water remaining puddled on top of inundated land.

Officials have issued hundreds of warnings for flood-hit England alone, with well over 200 dotted across the home nation, but some of the worst-hit areas are no longer in any danger.

READ MORE: Met Office issues new 13-hour ‘danger to life’ flood warning for UK

The Environment Agency has issued a near-equal distribution of flood alerts and flood warnings, with a map showing most of the latter grouped in clusters along rivers and major tributaries.

The agency has issued 216 notices in total, with 106 being flood warnings – the second most severe advisory.

These indicate flooding is “likely” in a given area and come with EA-approved advice for anyone living there.

People who find themselves affected by a flood warning are advised to act fast, starting by moving themselves and their vehicles to higher ground.

The Environment Agency also advises people to move important items in their homes to an upper floor, including furnishing, furniture and other valuables.

People must also turn off their gas, electricity and water supplies – provided it is safe – while ensuring they never touch an electrical switch if standing in water.

The agency also asks people to use any property protection, including flood barriers or air brick covers, while keeping track of the flood risk situation.

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The remaining 110 notices are flood alerts, which indicate flooding is “possible” in a given area.

In this case, the Environment Agency urges people to prepare for the worst by having a bag with vital documents at the ready and to keep track of flood alerts and warnings for the area.

Floods have killed nine people over the last week, including 57-year-old grandmother and mum-of-three Wendy Taylor, who was swept into the Glen Esk in Scotland during Storm Babet’s height.

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