East Midlands: Residents rescued as region hit by flood disruption

Heavy rain and flooding has been causing disruption in the East Midlands as Storm Babet batters England.

The Environment Agency has issued multiple flood warnings across the region, with up to 100mm of water expected to fall on Friday.

Cars have been left stranded on flooded roads and several homes were evacuated in Chesterfield.

People have been warned the River Derwent could "easily" be as high as serious floods of past years.

The Environment Agency has warned people across Derbyshire not to travel if they can avoid it as torrential rain continues.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said it had rescued 20 residents from their homes in the Brampton area of Chesterfield as a result of "significant flooding" in the area.

Specialist water rescue teams have also been working to save stranded motorists.

People have been advised to avoid the area and urged not to cross "road closed" signs.

Area manager Paul Moreland said: "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."

Two cars have been left stranded in deep water under the A52 bridge along Wyaston Road and Tutbury Hollow, near Ashbourne.

The A52 in Derby and the A6 at Darley Dale have already been affected, with lanes and slip roads under water in places, while Locko Road in Spondon has been closed.

Police in Nottinghamshire have closed the A52 eastbound at Bardills Island and tailbacks have been reported beyond the M1.

Drivers have also been facing issues along the B5057 between Two Dales and Chesterfield, with a tree blocking half of the road near Darwin Forest holiday park.

Meanwhile, flood warnings have been issued for the River Erewash at Ilkeston, Pinxton and Langley Mill.

Environment Agency river level forecasts show the River Derwent through Matlock was due to rise to 4.91m (16.1ft) - nearly double its normal upper range of 2.5m (8.2ft).

The highest recorded level of 5.18m (19ft), set in 1965.

Group manager at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, Rob Leverton, said: "Storm Babet is expected bring significant rainfall to parts of Derbyshire from Thursday into Saturday morning.

"We are calling on members of the community to take extra care and prepare for the impact of the increased rainfall.

"This is expected to cause localised flooding, high and fast flowing rivers, and surface water across many of Derbyshire's roads."

An amber warning has also been issued by the Met Office for parts of Derbyshire, meaning there is a risk to life.

Derbyshire Dales District Council has urged residents "not to underestimate" the potential impact.

The authority added: "Local flooding and road closures are expected, with up to 100mm of rain forecast in the 18 hours from Friday morning.

"River levels on the Derwent could easily be as high as the serious floods in November 2019 and February 2022."

Councillor Steve Wain, flood warden for Matlock in the Derbyshire Dales and chair of the district council, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he was going door-to-door to warn residents about the heavy rainfall.

He said: "The water is going to come and we can do nothing about it but prepare people. We all need to act with caution and don't act blasé about it. Don't go and risk your lives."

Meanwhile, in Nottinghamshire, flood warnings have been issued for the River Leen at Bulwell, Old Basford, Bobbers Mill and Radford, as well as the River Maun at Sherwood Forest Holiday Park near Kings Clipstone.

Stapleford Fire Station has warned locals to be aware of flooding along Church Street and on Nottingham Road in the town.

The Bushby Brook at Thurnby in Leicester and the Grace Dieu Brook at Whitwick and Thringstone are also at risk.

Leicestershire Police said Melbourne Road in Castle Donington was closed at 07:00 BST due to flooding and urged motorists to find alternative routes.

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