Lincolnshire Police deal with influx of 999 calls amid storm

Lincolnshire Police says it was inundated with 999 calls after flooding caused by Storm Babet.

The Environment Agency said more than a month's rain fell in the county in 24 hours with a major incident declared.

Flooding occurred at various locations, including Lincoln, Horncastle, Tattershall, Woodhall Spa, Wainfleet and Kirkby on Bain.

The force said it received 712 emergency calls on Friday, compared to an average of 400 at this time of year.

Storm Babet brought widespread travel disruption across Lincolnshire over the weekend with more than 150 properties flooded.

Supt Nicola Templeman, head of the force's control room, said officers were deployed to various locations.

She said: "The storm led to emergency services declaring a major incident. This led to much demand on all services that assisted with the floods.

"This huge demand [also] meant that those making non-urgent calls to 101 would have had a delay."

She praised everyone who was involved in the response for their efforts.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service said it had taken 500 flood-related calls.

Dozens of people were advised to leave their homes in Wainfleet on Saturday and homes and businesses were flooded in Horncastle.

Parts of Lincoln city centre were also flooded.

Between 10-20mm of rain is expected to fall "fairly widely" on Tuesday, the Met Office said, but some places in Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire could see between 30-50mm.

Residents are being urged to check their flood risk online or by calling 0345 988 1188.

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