Travel disruption and flooding as Storm Babet hits Yorkshire

Storm Babet has brought travel disruption, localised flooding, closures and cancellations as heavy rain lashed parts of Yorkshire.

More than 2in of rain has fallen in some areas in 24 hours, with up to 4in (100mm) possible by the end of the day.

The Environment Agency (EA) warned of "significant river flooding" possible across Yorkshire on Friday and into Saturday.

It said it had teams on the ground closely monitoring river levels.

Across Yorkshire there are 17 flood warnings - meaning flooding is expected - currently in place and yellow and amber weather warnings are in place across the region, with a forecast of heavy and persistent rain and wind until 06:00 BST on Saturday.

Yorkshire area director at the EA Mike Dugher said: "Persistent and heavy rain brought by a combination of Storm Babet and following weather systems means significant river flooding is possible across Yorkshire today and into Saturday."

He said protecting communities was the EA's top priority and it was closely monitoring river levels and forecasts.

He said flood gates and other defences were being operated across the region.

"We have flood alerts and warnings in place across Yorkshire and do expect more to come into place over the next 24 hours," he added.

There are currently no severe flood warnings, which indicate that flooding poses a significant risk to life.

Northern Rail has urged customers not to travel to and from South Yorkshire and said multiple routes were affected.

It has also advised customers in West and North Yorkshire to check before travelling.

TransPennine, LNER, Grand Central and East Midlands Railway have all issued the same advice to passengers.

In Sheffield several roads were hit by the adverse weather, including flooding in Woodhouse and Jordanthorpe Parkway.

The city council said Blackstock Road Household Waste Recycling Centre had been temporarily closed due to flooding while Millhouses Park had been shut for safety reasons.

Elsewhere, photos taken in Endcliffe Park show torrents of water sweeping across the paths and children's play area.

A spokesperson for Sheffield City Council said: "Heavy rainfall has resulted in flooding across Sheffield and is expected to continue into this evening."

The authority has closed a number of parks and has urged people to keep clear of green spaces near rivers or waterways.

At Meadowhall, the shopping centre's flood defences have been installed adjacent to the River Don.

In Rotherham, the new £4m canal flood barrier at Forge Island was lowered into place.

Friday's Championship match between Rotherham and Ipswich has been postponed.

The River Don, which runs next to the New York Stadium, burst its banks earlier after heavy rainfall.

Rotherham said the pitch remained playable but they were left with "no choice but to postpone the game".

In Bradford, the M606 northbound exit slip road at junction 3 has been shut.

Bradford City Council has advised residents in areas where there are flood warnings and alerts to "monitor local water levels and weather conditions and consider putting their flood plan into action".

The council also stated a flood warning for Bradford Beck and tributaries had been triggered by a faulty reading at a monitoring station.

Lisa Thwaites, who runs a cafe in Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire, and has experienced flooding in the past said she had had an anxious night on Thursday.

"My alarm was set for every two hours so I could check the weather forecast, check what was happening with the river, check the CCTV," she said.

"I've done that all night until first light this morning when I was in clearing everything out and getting prepared."

North Yorkshire Council and HM Coastguard have urged people not to travel to the coast unless essential.

"We are urging people in the strongest possible terms to stay away from the coast," a coastguard spokesperson said.

"We would encourage people to stay away from the water's edge - it's not worth risking your life for 'that selfie'.

"If you can feel the spray, you're too close."

In Scarborough, two shows at the Spa have been cancelled due to the closure of Spa Road and the Cliff Lift has closed due to high winds.

The council said it was also monitoring the situation at the former Marine Residence Hotel on Belmont Road, which was destroyed by fire earlier this year.

A spokesperson said: "A number of people are being moved to safety due to concerns regarding the continuing risks relating to high winds and potential debris."

North Yorkshire Police added it had received many calls about fallen trees and debris.

Supt Rachel Wood said: "Where temporary road closures have been put in place due to flooding or over-topping waves from the sea, it is essential to follow the diversions for the safety of everyone involved.

"If you find yourself stuck in flood water or in any other dangerous situations as a result of the storm, please make sure the emergency services are called by dialling 999."

The force said anyone coming across fallen trees within office hours should alert North Yorkshire Council's highways department.

Fire services across Yorkshire have urged motorists to drive carefully and not to ignore road closed signs.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue posted on X (formerly Twitter) that it had already received calls from people trapped after attempting to drive through flood water.

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