Severe weather warnings have been issued in parts of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland as Storm Babet sweeps across the UK. As a result, hundreds of residents in northeast Scotland are at risk of flooding and will be evacuated for their own safety. The Angus Council has identified 335 homes in Brechin and 87 in Tannadice and Finavon that are in the high-risk flood zone. To assist those affected, the council has set up three rest centers at Brechin Community Campus, Montrose Sports Centre, and Forfar Community Campus. The council advises residents to bring their own sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, and any necessary medication.
Despite the evacuation order, some residents, like 82-year-old John Stewart, have chosen to stay in their homes. Mr. Stewart has taken precautions to protect his house from water damage by building a wall around his garden and installing a floodgate. He cites his wife's poor health as the reason for not leaving and is willing to take the risk.
Earlier in the day, First Minister Humza Yousaf urged all residents in Scotland to heed the advice and warnings, especially those in the red weather warning area. He stressed the potential for significant disruption and harm if people do not follow the advice. The storm has already caused disruptions in Scotland's transport network, with numerous ScotRail and Stagecoach services canceled. Additionally, approximately 10,000 homes in Scotland have experienced power cuts due to the storm.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is warning people to stay away from the coast to avoid being washed out to sea. The British Geological Survey has also raised concerns about potential landslides in areas experiencing severe weather conditions.
In Ireland, Storm Babet made its initial impact, leading to the deployment of Irish Defence Forces in Midleton, Co Cork. More than 100 properties were flooded in this area, with the local council reporting that over a month's worth of rain had fallen within 24 hours.
The Met Office has issued an amber warning of rain for parts of northern England and northern Wales, including Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Derby, Nottingham, Chester, and Bradford. This warning will be in effect from midday tomorrow until 6 am on Saturday. The forecast predicts up to 220mm of rain in some areas of eastern Scotland, close to the record 24-hour total of 238mm set in 1974.
The Met Office has outlined the potential risks associated with Storm Babet, including danger to life from fast-flowing or deep floodwater, extensive flooding to homes and businesses, collapsed or damaged buildings, road closures, delays, and cancellations in bus and train services, dangerous driving conditions due to spray and flooded roads, loss of power and essential services, and communities potentially being completely cut off for several days.
Angus Council has taken several measures to prepare for the storm. They have closed schools and early years centers, postponed repair work until the end of Friday, and provided a limited supply of sandbags at their roads depots for residents. Road teams have been actively deploying sandbags to vulnerable areas and buildings. Contractors will prioritize internal repairs to ensure the safety of staff and residents.
