Extreme weather warning

The Parish Council is urging local residents and businesses not to underestimate how serious an impact Storm Babet is likely to have on the usual at-risk flood areas here in Baslow and across the Derbyshire Dales.

Local flooding and road closures are expected, with up to 100mm of rain in the 18 hours from Friday morning.

Some forecasts anticipate river levels on the Derwent could easily be as high as the serious floods in November 2019 and February 2022. As many as 35 flood warnings could be issued locally – and alerts are in from the Environment Agency already for the Lower and Upper Derwent and the River Wye.

The Chatsworth gauge is expected to peak on Friday evening, possibly at the highest ever level recorded there, and Matlock at 04:00 on Saturday. Again, the levels forecast are alarmingly high, not much short of the record measurements taken in 1965.

That’s why we’re urging residents and businesses in at risk areas to prepare now. Don’t wait until flooding looks likely, as you won’t have time to respond.

Please note that although Derbyshire Dales District Council has teams of volunteers ready to work through the day and night to help vulnerable residents, local authorities have no legal obligation to provide assistance during flooding situations, it is the home/business owner’s responsibility to protect their own property.

So while the council will try to help the most vulnerable with sandbags and support, they don’t have the stocks and resources to help everyone.

Check the advice on their website at www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/flooding, which includes links to sign up for flood warnings.