Agencies work round-the-clock during Storm Dennis

Do not drive through flood water” is one of the main messages from councils, fire, police and the Environment Agency who are continuing to work together to tackle flooding.

Agencies have been working round-the-clock since Saturday (15 Feb) to close roads, give out sandbags, rescue drivers and keep people safe as Storm Dennis took hold across Leicester and Leicestershire.

Areas particularly affected were in the north of the county and include Long Whatton, Measham, Diseworth, Sileby, Loughborough and Appleby Magna.

Flood warnings remain in place across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland – and residents are asked to sign up for alerts if they haven’t already.

County council highways teams received 130 reports over the weekend and 33 road closures remain in place including the A6 northbound near Zouch – drivers are urged to listen to local radio, follow Area Traffic Control on Twitter or visit https://one.network/ for the latest information.

Councillor Blake Pain, county council cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “Extra highways team were on duty 24/7 over the weekend helping to close roads and clear drains. We’re still monitoring the weather and would urge drivers to check before they travel and take care.”

Toby Willison, Executive Director of Operations at the Environment Agency, said: “Every home flooded is a tragedy for that family and our hearts go out to all those who have been flooded during Storm Dennis.

“Our teams will continue to work 24/7, alongside the Police, Fire and Rescue and local authorities to reduce the risk of flooding and keep communities safe.

“We expect disruptive weather into the middle of this week bringing a significant flood risk and there are flood warnings in place across much of England.

“Operational teams are out across England today. We have deployed temporary barriers and are operating 90 pumps across the country. We are also ready to operate our large flood defences as required, and so far we have protected nearly 20,000 properties from the impacts of Storm Dennis.

“With the effects of climate change, we are seeing more frequent periods of extreme weather. It is important for people to be aware of their flood risk and stay safe by signing up for flood warnings, making a flood plan and remembering not to drive or walk through flood water – it’s not worth the risk.”

Leicestershire Police has been working across the weekend with partner agencies including local authorities, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, the Environment Agency and the Highways Agency to keep people safe, provide advice and to monitor the areas affected by the weather and flooding.

Inspector Graeme Baxter said: “We received more than 50 calls between the early hours of Sunday and Monday morning in relation to flooding and traffic issues regarding Storm Dennis and I know our partner agencies were also extremely busy with calls and responding to these. We’d like to thank everyone for your patience and co-operation.

“We continue to have officers out, working with partner agencies, to help keep areas safe, put in road closures where necessary and to ensure people are taking the right steps in order to ensure their own safety.”

Residents are urged to:

Sign up for flood warnings at www.gov.uk/check-flood-risk

Keep up-to-date with traffic and travel on local radio and Twitter by following: @ATCLeicester @LeicsCountyHall @Leicester_News @Leicspolice

Use https://one.network/ for information on flooded roads and roadworks

Read public health advice