Millions of people across Britain were warned over weekend about the dangers of flooding and strong winds. However, there were also concerns that high waters could cause sewage to rise in the North West.
Residents were warned to be cautious of dangerous ‘fast flowing floodwaters’ after 16 inches of rain fell in Cumbria on Wednesday morning. One foot fell the first day and a quarter.
According to Surfers Against Sewage data, 14 locations along the coast of Cumbria have experienced sewage overflows this week, despite the flooding.
Locals in the Lake District village of Staveley told The Mirror that raw sewage was ‘bubbling up’ and ‘erupting’ into the streets from overflowing drains after localised floods hit Cumbria and southern Scotland on Friday.
Meanwhile, more heavy rain is expected into Saturday, falling on already saturated ground in some parts, and a clear-up was under way on Friday after localised floods hit Cumbria and southern Scotland.
Two bridges were destroyed, 40 properties were flooded, homes were evacuated, and roads and rail transportation were all disrupted by heavy downpours that occurred on Thursday and Friday.
According to the Environment Agency in England, there were 12 flood warnings in effect as of Friday afternoon. This means flooding is likely. There are also 39 flood alerts.
These warnings are distributed across the north, south, and southern parts of England. The Met Office warns about travel disruptions caused by localised flooding. It also warns of heavy rain and gust wind.
The Environment Agency stated that while 40 properties were flooded in Cumbria in the last few days, 1,450 properties have been saved across the county due to flood defenses in Cockermouth.
Flood defences are put in place on homes after the River Derwent, which was flooded by torrential overnight rains on October 29, 2021 at Cockermouth, England. The Met office issued amber warnings about floods in the Lake District after it was hit by torrential rain.
: After torrential overnight rains on October 29, 2021 in Cockermouth (England), debris is found across a footbridge.
After a major incident in Hawick was declared overnight, the River Teviot flows through Hawick. Some residents were evacuated due to flooding on October 29, 2021, in Hawick.
Flood defences are deployed at homes after the River Derwent burst its banks following torrential overnight rains on October 29, 2021 in Cockermouth (England).
Park benches are left to stand as the River Derwent bursts its banks following torrential overnight rains on October 29, 2021 in Cockermouth (England).
Louise Edmondson, a mother of five who moved to Staveley in 2015 just before the devastating Storm Desmond hit, told the newspaper: ‘Every time it rains the sewage bubbles out of the drains, it’s disgusting. Last night, I could hear an elderly lady trying to cross the bridge. She was up to her ankles in it and didn’t know where to go.
She said that she must keep her children safe from the sewage that flows ‘a few steps’ from their front doors.
The village – found near Kendal in Cumbria – has been pushing water companies for six years to improve the sewage system, but local officials told The Mirror United Utilities has refused to invest the necessary £1.5 million.
Arthur Capstick, chairman of the local parish council, stated that heavy rains had caused at most three manhole covers in the area to leak foul water onto roads and into nearby streams.
‘The eruption of sewage is a totally unacceptable hazard to the health and well-being of our community and a danger to protected wildlife inhabiting our rivers,’ Mr Capstick said.
After a backlash within and outside Parliament, the Government eased its position on Tuesday regarding legal restrictions against dumping rawsewage into waterways.
213 votes to 60, majority of 153, the House of Lords supported a proposal to create a new legal obligation on water companies to take ‘all reasonable steps’ to prevent sewage from being discharged.
This allowed the Bill’s return to the Commons. The Government will then submit its amendment.
It will make it a legal obligation for utility firms to “secure a gradual reduction in the adverse consequences of discharges resulting from storm overflows.”
Tim Farron – the Member of Parliament for Westmorland and Lonsdale in Cumbria and former leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: ‘The horrendous floods this week have helped shine another spotlight on the huge issue of sewage being discharged into lakes and rivers here in the Lake District.
“We must see the Government take action against water corporations that pollute our beautiful lakes and rivers. They need to do so now.
Another local – Alistair Kirkbride – who has lived in Staveley for 13 years, told The Mirror that the man-hole ‘becomes a fountain of poo and paper’ that runs down the street.
After a major incident was declared in Hawick overnight, the River Teviot runs through Hawick. Residents were evacuated from Hawick, Scotland, after flooding on October 29, 2021. 17 flood warnings were issued last night by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. They are located along the Scottish border with England.
A girl walks over a footbridge across the River Teviot following a major incident that was declared overnight in Hawick. Some residents were evacuated because of flooding, on October 29, 20,21 in Hawick (Scotland).
After a major incident in Hawick overnight, people cross a footbridge over River Teviot. Some residents were evacuated due to flooding on October 29, 2021 in Hawick.
Left: A map by The Rivers Trust showing where sewage enters local streams. Right: Surfers Against Sewage has a map that tracks the real-time combined sewage overflows and forecasts for pollution.
He said that the manhole is very close to a footbridge over the river that leads to a playground. People must stop young children playing in the sewage.
It’s not just Staveley. Paul Hancock (37), the manager at the Wateredge Inn Ambleside that backs on Lake Windermere in Lake District, told the newspaper he believes the lake contained rawsewage.
A spokesperson for United Utilities said that the company has been in discussions with Staveley residents “for a number” of years over the issue sewer flooding. She added that surface water is entering the network through new connections, and that this problem is making matters worse.
“We are requesting that the Government and regulators authorize new investment and legislate to strengthen local authorities and other efforts to tackle the causes of sewer overloading, like blockages due to wet wipes and surface waters from poorly-designed housing development,” the statement read.
Yesterday, the Environment Agency boss warned Britons not to swim in the country’s rivers due to ongoing concern about sewage being dumped into them.
John Leyland was the agency’s chief staff officer. He said rivers were not meant for human swimming, but rather for wildlife and the fish that live within them.
This is after the EA agency released data showing that water companies dumped raw waste into England’s seas and rivers more than 400,000 times in 2013.
Environmental campaigners are also concerned that only 14% (or 14%) of England’s rivers are rated in a ‘good’ ecological state and none meet chemical standards.
Flooding in Dumfries, Scotland is pictured Friday after a flood caused by the River Nith.
After the River Clyde burst its banks this Week, there was major flooding in the area of Biggar, South Lanarkshire.
Weather warnings for Saturday
The Met Office has issued a series rain warnings for parts of Britain that run from Friday through Monday.
On the floods, Ben Lukey, flood duty manager at the EA, said: ‘Flooding is devastating so whilst we are pleased 1,450 properties have been protected, our thoughts are with the 40 households who have suffered.
“The public should be alert this weekend and early next week, as surface water and river flooding could still cause disruption in the south west and parts of northern England.”
Sunday will see a shower of rain move across South West England and Wales just after midnight. It will then move quickly northeastwards, with southern England under a rain advisory for the entire day. A rain warning remains in effect for Sunday and Monday for South West Scotland and North Wales.
Despite the bleak conditions, forecasters pointed out how the temperatures have been unusually mild for this time of the year. Yesterday’s highs were 17.3C (63.1F) while London was expected to reach 15C (59F) this afternoon.
It happened as world leaders were heading to Cop26 Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. Heavy rain and flooding caused major delays. One train company advised passengers not to cross the border.
This week’s downpours come after an extraordinary wet 2020 which saw rising waters wreck homes – with the sight of sandbags today presenting a haunting reminder of flood chaos which hit the UK just before the pandemic.
Last year was sixth-wettest in UK records, with February 2020 being the wettest. October 3, 2020 was also the wettest. In total, enough rain fell across the country to fill Loch Ness.
Drone footage taken Friday showed the extent to which severe flooding had occurred in parts of Britain.
Friday’s photo of the River Wye after it burst at Builth Wells, Powys, after two days of heavy rain in Wales.
Flooding in and around Biggar, South Lanarkshire, after the River Clyde burst their banks this week
Flooding of Biggar, South Lanarkshire following the burst of the River Clyde this week
Aerial view of the devastating flooding in Dumfries Friday following the River Nith’s banks burst
Flooding of Biggar, South Lanarkshire following the burst of the River Clyde this week
After heavy rains in Dumfries, Scotland this week, a van with its lights on was left in floodwater Friday.
Drone footage shows floods around Biggar in South Lanarkshire following the burst of the River Clyde this week
An aerial view of Dumfries’ flooding Friday after the River Nith burst their banks
Drone footage shows floods around Biggar, South Lanarkshire following the burst of the River Clyde this week
After the River Clyde burst their banks and caused major flooding, clouds gathered over Biggar, South Lanarkshire.
The Environment Agency stated that while 40 properties were flooded in Cumbria in the last few days, 1,450 properties were protected throughout the county due to the flood defenses installed in areas like Cockermouth.
Flood duty manager at Environment Agency Ben Lukey warned the public to be on alert for any further flooding this weekend and next.
“Environment Agency teams have been on the ground clearing screens and grilles where flood debris can build up, preventing river flows, and are ready to operate flood defences, if required,” he said.
“Working with our local partners in resilience forums, we are supporting emergency responses to keep people safe when flooding occurs.
“We urge residents and visitors to the Lake District, especially holidaymakers, to be alert and monitor their flood risk by signing up on the Gov.uk website or via @EnvAgency Twitter for flood warnings. These updates provide the most current information.
Cockermouth Mountain Rescue, Cumbria, said it had to rescue two tourists (and their dog) from the floodwater at Southwaite Mill yesterday.
Andy Brown, flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, stated that without flood defences, the flood damage could be worse.
On Friday, he stated to BBC Radio Cumbria that defences cannot protect us 100% of the time. As many people in Cumbria, sadly, know, no matter where you are in Keswick, Carlisle or other locations, there will come an point when these defenses will be inadequate.
“I’m very thankful today that many thousands properties were not flooded by those flood defences.
According to the Environment Agency North West, it has teams that are responsible for checking flood defenses and removing obstructions from grids.
Cumbria County Council stated there were approximately 12 roads closed, but workers had been working all night to assess roads and inspect bridges.
Network Rail Scotland imposed speed restrictions on the West Coast mainline, further north than the border, Friday morning after severe rainfall.
Avanti West Coast stated that the speed restrictions had been lifted by Friday evening and that the service was now normal. They advised passengers to check before traveling and that a normal service was planned for the weekend.
Network Rail Lancashire and Cumbria has updated their website to inform that services are operating as normal on the West Coast mainline between London Euston and Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Flooding caused delays for world leaders headed to Cop26 on Friday. Avanti West Coast had earlier warned people not to cross the border because of disruptions after two roads bridges were ‘washed away.
According to the Met Office, the weather will remain unsettled into the weekend, according to forecasters
Between 1am on Wednesday and 6pm yesterday, Honister Pass in Cumbria received 370mm (14.6in).
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency issued flood warnings, alerts and advisory covering the country on Friday
The Environment Agency had numerous alerts and warnings (left), while Natural Resources Wales had many (right).
After a major flooding event was declared overnight, the River Teviot flows through Hawick, Scottish Borders.
After heavy overnight rains, properties near Hawick have set up sandbag defenses to protect against flooding Friday
After heavy rains in the Scottish Borders, sandbag defenses were put in place at Hawick properties Friday
After heavy overnight rainfall, properties in Hawick deployed flood defences Friday.
After an incident that occurred overnight in Hawick, Scottish Borders, a man walks along the River Teviot.
A man watches as flood defenses are installed in Hawick properties along the River Teviot on Friday
After a major incident that was declared in Hawic overnight, a man walks over a footbridge across the River Teviot.
After a major incident in Hawick, flood defences were deployed along the River Teviot on Friday
National Rail stated that disruptions to services were expected to last until around 1pm this afternoon. Services will then be ‘gradually restored’. It advised passengers that they should not travel north of Preston on Friday.
Network Rail, two days before Cop26, stated that it had been ‘working very hard throughout the night’ to deal with flooding on the West Coast mainline. Avanti Express and TransPennine Express were also subject to speed restrictions.
In the Dumfries and Galloway town of Annan, two footbridges – the Cuthbertson Bridge and Diamond Jubilee Bridge – were swept away as the River Annan rose. Network Rail Scotland stated that the bridges were destroyed north of the railway, with trains unable pass over a viaduct. This closed the Glasgow Central – Carlisle via Dumfries line.
It stated that the line would remain closed until workers could inspect the Annan Viaduct. Network Rail spokesmen said: “This requires divers to enter the water. We won’t be able to do this until the river flows slow down.
As she crosses London Bridge, a woman shelters under an umbrella as it is wet and windy.
After it became a river, this cyclist carries his bike over floodwaters on the A592 near Windermere in Cumbria.
On Friday morning, a woman walks her dog along Wimbledon Common in South West London. It was a rainy and windy day.
This morning, a commuter struggles with her umbrella as she walks through Putney, South West London.
Londoners are protected from heavy rains by umbrellas as they make their way across London Bridge.
Yesterday’s floods caused flooding in Cockermouth (Cumbbria), and the river levels were extremely high.
After yesterday’s heavy rains, the Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team has been able to pump floodwater into Cumbria this week.
Travellers travelling from London to the Cop26 conference would normally use the West Coast service to get to Glasgow. However, many are forced to travel on LNER services between King’s Cross and Edinburgh.
But other trains were disrupted by the weather, including the Edinburgh to Glasgow Central via Shotts, Edinburgh to Glasgow Queen Street via Falkirk High and Glasgow Queen Street to Alloa/Aberdeen/Inverness services.
Major roads into Glasgow were submerged by heavy rains this week. The Great Western Road in Glasgow’s West End was also submerged. Drivers were forced to abandon their cars as a result.
Emergency services evacuated residents from Hawick, Scottish Borders overnight after declaring that 500 properties could be affected by heavy downpours and floods.
Commuters walk in the rain near London Bridge this morning, as the capital is impacted with wet weather
While he is making his way down a wet road, a cyclist glances at his phone as he rides along the route of a bus in front of London Bridge.
As she walks through Putney, South West London, this morning, a commuter struggles to keep her umbrella in the wind.
Londoners cover themselves with umbrellas as they walk on a wet street near London Bridge this morning.
Commuters take shelter under umbrellas at London Bridge this morning, as the capital is impacted by wet weather
On their way to work, commuters are hit with heavy rain near London Bridge
Commuters sit under umbrellas at London Bridge this morning, as the capital is flooded.
To mark the start of Cop26, green lights are placed at 10 Downing Street in Westminster on Friday.
Officers in Hawick were 15 miles north of England’s border and called in the Borders Water Rescue Team and mountain rescue and fire teams to evacuate properties. Schools and health centres were also closed.
Peebles was the site of the River Tweed’s bank burst, and there were fears that the Teviot would follow. The town’s Teviotdale Leisure Centre was designated as a rest area to provide shelter for residents from at-risk communities.
The Bourtree, a local pub, offered tea and coffee free of charge and said it would be open over night to accommodate them.
Chief Inspector Vinnie Fisher is the local commander for the Scottish Borders. He stated that they are working with their colleagues at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Scottish Borders Council in order to move the affected.
He added that the emergency services were ensuring all those evacuated would be accommodated. The schools were closed by the Scottish Borders Council and the NHS Borders shut down Teviot Health Centre in Roxburghshire.
An £88million flood prevention scheme being built in Hawick is due for completion in 2023. Stuart Marshall, chairman of Hawick Flood Group said that they had been working hard all day to distribute sandbags.
Sepa provided an update last night stating that the River Teviot had risen to a height of 9.5 feet before receding. Families were informed that they could return home. 14 flood warnings were issued in the Borders earlier.
Schools were closed yesterday due to flooding in Peebles. Seven schools were closed in Dumfries & Galloway. Water was also poured onto Whitesands street in Dumfries by the River Nith.
Stephen Rutt from Dumfries posted images of the river and said: “The Nith is anarchic in the best of times. It veers wildly between flood and no flow. It is something I have never seen before.
Transport chaos was also caused on the roads by the downpours. Flooding closed the A709 in Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire. Traffic Scotland reported flooding on the M74 in Abington, Lanarkshire.
A landslide also blocked the B725 road six miles from Dumfries, and police warned of large areas flooding that stretch from Dumfries through Glencaple.
On Thursday, a Met Office yellow warning was issued for South Scotland and South Lanarkshire. It covered Strathclyde and Central Scotland, Tayside and Fife, as well as the Lothians. Forecasters anticipate more rain Friday and more disruption.
The yellow warning for rain, which covers Yorkshire and Humber, was in effect until Friday at 3pm. One for South-West England is in effect until 9am tonight, while one in Wales is in force until 3pm Friday.
Cumbria Police warned that some roads might be impassable. South Lakes Police tweeted that the A591 Rydal-Grasmere road was unpassable ‘due the depth of floodwaters in several locations’.
The force advised people not to take unnecessary risk and to only travel when absolutely necessary.
Residents in Cockermouth and Keswick, Cumbria – both of which were flooded in 2015/2009 – began to lay sandbags and put up flood barriers outside their homes after the banks of the Rivers Kent (Cocker) and Derwent burst.
Yesterday evening, the Met Office tweeted that Honister Pass in Cumbria had received 370mm (14.6in), of rain between 1am on Wednesday morning and 6pm yesterday.
Cop26 delegates who are travelling to the summit on climate change will wait at the London Euston station concourse this morning.
Police and security personnel outside Glasgow’s Scottish Event Campus Friday, where Cop26 summit will take place
This morning, cyclists and pedestrians made their way across the rain to cross a bridge in Glasgow where Cop26 is being held
As people enter the campus for climate change conference, security guards stand guard at a gate in Glasgow.
Friday, Glasgow: Pedestrians take shelter under umbrellas as they walk past a digital display at the SEC venue.
Grey skies over Glasgow’s SEC this morning ahead the Cop26 climate change conference.
It reported 132mm (5.2in), of rain at Eskdalemuir, Dumfries and Galloway during the same period.
Aidan McGivern (Met Office meteorologist) said: “These are exceptional rainfall amounts for even the wettest part of Britain, which is Cumbria on an average, as well as for the wettest portion of the year.”
Graeme Dey, Scotland’s transport minister, stated that the conditions could cause disruption to the trunk roads and rail networks. It is important that people plan their journeys in advance.
“Motorists should ensure their routes are open, follow Police Scotland’s travel advice and drive according to the conditions.
He stated that if you are considering traveling by rail, it is important to check with your operator before you travel. This is especially important for cross border travellers after the disruption to services earlier.
People were photographed looking out at the River Teviot overnight from their homes in Hawick, Scottish Borders.
After torrential rains in the Scottish Borders, the River Teviot flows in Hawick.
After families were evacuated from homes, the River Teviot flows fast and high through Hawick.
Overnight, residents were evacuated from Hawick by a man who fitted flood defences to his Hawick home.
As major rainfall hits the Scottish Borders, a man can be seen looking out at the swelling River Teviot in Hawick.
The River Teviot flows past an empty Hawick restaurant overnight as heavy rains batter the Scottish Borders.
After sustained heavy rain caused the River Teviot’s water level to rise, Hawick declared a major incident.
Hawick is estimated to have 500 affected homes, with residents being evacuated from their homes overnight.
Overnight, the River Teviot flows high in Hawick after a major incident in the town of the Scottish Borders.
As major flooding in Hawick, Scotland, causes trees to be submerged in River Teviot, Hawick sees them submerged in the River Teviot.
As a result of major incidents in Hawick, a couple was seen looking out at the River Teviot.
Overnight, trees are submerged in the River Teviot at Hawick as a major incident is reported in the Scottish town
Workers at Sellafield’s nuclear power plant were also allowed leave early, but Cumbria police advised people to stay at home.
People can be seen viewing the River Teviot at night from their homes in Hawick, Scottish Borders.
People cross a bridge while trees are submerged in the River Teviot at Hawick, Scottish Borders.
Overnight, trees are submerged in the River Teviot at Hawick as flooding affects the Scottish Borders.
Overnight, sandbags were seen outside a Hawick business in the Scottish Borders. The business is being threatened by flooding.
As heavy rain falls on the Scottish Borders, the River Teviot can be seen running past a partially constructed bridge in Hawick.
As heavy rain falls on the Scottish Borders, a man is seen installing flood defenses to his Hawick house.
Overnight, Hawick residents saw sandbags outside a Hawick home after it was declared a major incident due to heavy rains.
Ray Milner, Cumbria, said that he was concerned about his Cockermouth home being flooded for the third time in 12 year’s. This is if the projected river levels are borne out. He stated that even if it was only slightly rainy, it makes him stressed.
“There are sensors located at various points on the river, and the Environment Agency creates computer projections using them. The one for 3am is for over three metres (10 ft).
He stated that water would enter his property if it was more than two metres (6.25ft). Gillian Jackson stated that several of her holiday homes in Cockermouth were also flooded.
According to her, “We’ve been through it before so it’s just get over it and get on with it,” she said to the BBC. Although it is difficult, we have learned to accept it and have become more resilient. Now we need to move on.
** Have you been affected by flooding today? Please send your photos to: pictures@mailonline.co.uk **