UK Weather: 'Biblical' flooding - Over 100 weather warnings as homes evacuated

8 November 2019, 06:45

By EJ Ward

Parts of northern and central England have been brought to a standstill after half the rainfall for the whole of November came down in a few hours.

The Environment Agency said 119 flood warnings are in place, mostly in Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire.

Weather forecasts predict flooding rains will clear and move south-east by lunchtime, but many flood warnings are expected to remain in place for the next few days.

Conditions in Doncaster were so severe police warned residents not to drive or leave their properties.

Darren Butt, of emergency contractors Streets Ahead, said: "The situation is not far from biblical, it is very frustrating for the traveller but we are dealing with a big volume of water, it is very slow and frustrating."

Northern Rail says several routes are still blocked due to flooding and is urging some passengers not to travel.

In Mansfield, 35 homes were evacuated as a precaution after a mudslide - and at the Meadowhall Shopping Centre in Sheffield, Christmas shoppers were kept inside because of gridlocked traffic.

Nottinghamshire Police said officers were called to Bank End Close in Mansfield alongside the fire service and Mansfield District Council just before 5pm on Thursday following concerns for the safety of people living there.

Earlier in the evening, the annual Christmas Live event was cancelled over fears river could put festive revellers at risk.

South Yorkshire Police confirmed people were kept inside for their own safety, and pictures from the inside show all the shops have been shut.

Authorities have warned the public to stay away from swollen rivers