UK and Ireland – Dozens Evacuated After Heavy Rain Causes Rivers to Overflow

by in Europe, News, UK

A storm caused major flooding in parts of the UK and Ireland between 22 and 23 November. Some areas recorded around 90 mm of rain in 24 hours. Winds of up to 80 mph (128 km/h) were reported in north Wales.

England

Around 70 people were evacuated from their homes in Galgate, Lancashire, northern England, after heavy rain caused the River Conder to overflow. The river reached 2.89 metres during the peak of the flooding early on 23 November, the highest level on record.

Emergency crews received about 500 calls during the storm, with parts of Lancaster also affected by flooding. Train services were cancelled and roads in the area closed.

A spokesman for Lancashire Constabulary said: “All agencies worked really hard in a co-ordinated effort to minimise disruption and protect the public and we will continue to support those communities worst affected. The focus is now firmly on supporting those communities which have been most affected.”

Flooding was also reported in nearby counties of North Yorkshire and Cumbria.

In Cumbria the the town of Appleby-in-Westmorland was the worst affected after River Eden burst its banks.

Flooding was also reported in the the Craven area of North Yorkshire, where police closed roads several locations, making villages in the north of Craven difficult to access.

Wales

The Afon Cefni river overflowed in areas around Llangefni in Anglesey, North Wales, prompting emergency service to carry out some flood rescues.

Roads in Gwynedd and Conwy were also affected by flooding. Some train and ferry services from Anglesey were cancelled.

Ireland

In Ireland, around 100 homes suffered flood damage in Mountmellick in County Laois after the River Barrow burst its banks on 22 November.

Laois County Council advised residents in the Portarlington area that levels in the River Barrow were high as a result of the recent heavy rainfall, adding that “residents in areas vulnerable to flooding should take sensible precautions”.

Laois County Council said that roads crews, Civil Defence crews and Fire Service crews were in attendance and stressed that “members of the public are requested to observe road closure signs, drive appropriately and not attempt to drive through flooded areas.”

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