Residents urged to prepare for imminent flood risk

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland with a risk of flooded properties and disruption to travel.

Councils, emergency services and other agencies across the area are advising people to sign up for flood alerts, prepare their homes if they live in flood areas and check before they travel.

Leicestershire County Council, Melton Borough Council, Charnwood Borough Council and Rutland County Council will have staff available during the day and night to keep the roads moving and deal with any incidents of localised flooding, if required.

A flood alert is in place for the River Wreake, with properties in villages to the west of Melton under threat.

The Environment Agency say river levels are falling but remain high at the Frisby river gauge as a result of recent rainfall.

Consequently, the risk of flooding remains, particularlt low-lying agricultural land and roads including Mill Lane and Water Lane at Frisby on the Wreake, Station Road at Thrussington, Broome Lane at Ratcliffe on the Wreake, Station Lane at Asfordby, plus farmlands at Hoby, Brooksby, Thrussington, Ratcliffe and Syston.

A spokesperson said: “We expect river levels to increase again into Tuesday.

“Further significant rainfall is expected for the next days and we are closely monitoring the situation.

“Please avoid using low lying footpaths and bridges near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.”

Councillor Trevor Pendleton, county council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “We will constantly monitor the weather situation and resources will be available if needed.

“However, we would urge motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to take extra care.

“Please don’t attempt to drive, cycle or walk through floods – it is incredibly dangerous, the water can be deeper than it looks.”

His sentiments were echoed by Matt Cane, area manager for operational response at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, who commented: “We strongly advise members of the public to never attempt to drive through flood water.

“If you cannot see the road surface beneath the water, it is too deep to drive through.

“Just six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your car, or stall it when water is sucked into the engine and exhaust.

“Two feet of flowing water can sweep away most vehicles, including large 4x4s.

“If you come across a flooded road, find an alternative route and ensure you pay attention to any ‘Road Closed’ signs.

“If there is a risk to life or you are physically trapped by flood water, call us on 999 – we are still here to help.”

Leicestershire Police Chief Constable, Simon Cole, added: “As we are expecting heavy rain over the next week, I really want to stress how important it is to be prepared.

“The right kit could save your life, or your property, so please check out the website if you are in a flood area.

“We would like to remind drivers to stay safe and to not take any risks with floods as this is how most drivers suddenly find they are stuck in a perilous situation waiting for emergency services to save them.”

Among the things residents can do to prepare for flooding are:

***Sign up to receive warnings at www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings;

***Put important documents out of flood risk;

***Check your insurance covers you for flooding;

***Make a flood plan and prepare a flood kit;

***Find out where you can get sandbags;

***Identify who can help you/who you can help;

***Identify what you would need to take with you if you had to leave your home.

Leicestershire and Rutland residents can find out more at www.llrprepared.org.uk/be-aware/flooding