The Environment Agency has issued “danger to life” severe flood warnings as river levels rise and travel is disrupted across parts of northern England.
It has urged people to stay away from swollen rivers – with the flood warnings affecting the River Don.
Website River Levels UK suggests the river is at its highest ever level at 4. 573 m at Sprotbrough. The previous record it said was 3. 49 m on 7 July, 2012.
The severe flood warnings affect the River Don at Kirk Bramwith, South Bramwith and Willow Bridge Caravan Site.
In addition, some 119 flood warnings – meaning immediate action is required – are in place, most of them in Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire.
Residents in affected areas have been told that homes and businesses could flood, fast-flowing water could endanger lives, and some communities could be cut off.
Derbyshire Police warned motorists against moving signs where roads have been shut “or attempt to use these routes”.
In Mansfield, 35 homes were evacuated as a precaution after a mudslide, and in Sheffield a major incident was declared by city council.
At the Meadowhall Shopping Center near Sheffield, hundreds of people were waking up after they were kept inside because of flooded streets.
Images posted on social media by shoppers stranded at the complex showed them bedding down for the night wherever they could on chairs and benches.
Hannah Crossley, who was at the center, said she had watched water levels rise until they were “centimeterres away from flooding over the wall” .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “Awful to see the terrible flooding across the North of England. Thank you to the emergency staff & volunteers helping families through this difficult time.”
Late last night, an Environment Agency spokesperson said: “We are continuing to work closely with local authorities to reduce the risk of flooding.
” Our field teams have been ensuring flood defences can fully operate and deploying temporary flood barriers to help protect people and property.
“We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to walk or drive through floodwater as just 30 cm of flowing water is enough to move your car. “
In Doncaster, South Yorkshire Police warned the public that the flooding was causing “significant issues”, with the force telling locals not to drive or leave their properties unless it is necessary. Rail has issued “do not travel” advice for customers on several routes – with flooding closing lines between Sheffield and Gainsborough, Sheffield and Lincoln, and Hebden Bridge and Manchester Victoria.
According to the Met Office, half of the average rainfall for the whole of November fell in parts of the Midlands and Yorkshire on Thursday alone – with more rain overnight.
By 5pm on Thursday , Sheffield had seen 47. 2mm of rainfall, while Emley Moor was hit by 40 mm.
Rainfall could reach 100 mm by this morning, according to forecaster Craig Snell.
Sky’s North of England correspondent, Katerina Vittozzi, who is in Sheffield, said: “The real concern is how long will the floodwater continue to rise even after the rain has stopped.
” The damage already has been quite significant – there are already a number of submerged cars, and some say their businesses are knee-deep in water.
“Residents who have been unable to get home have been sheltered in Sheffield Town Hall, and there are similar setups in other northern towns that have been affected. “
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