Council ready as Storm Babet hits region
19 Oct 2023 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Northumberland County Council is preparing to support residents as very wet and windy weather is expected over the coming days.
Storm Babet is hitting many parts of the country and weather warnings are in place from Thursday, October 19th through to the end of Saturday, October 21st.
Planning and preparation for the County Council’s response is well underway based on the experiences from previous storms which have hit Northumberland and the wider North East in recent years.
There are staff across the Council working to ensure drains and gullies are kept clear, vulnerable residents are OK and plans are in place should there be damage caused by wind or heavy rainfall.
Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service teams are also on standby with pumps and water rescue capability if required.
Residents are also encouraged to play their part by securing loose items like garden furniture and trampolines and parking cars in a garage, if available; or keeping them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences.
Those residents who live in areas prone to flooding are advised to sign up to receive flood warnings so that they can be alerted should any issues arise, via https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings
Councillor Gordon Stewart, Cabinet Member for Looking After Our Communities with Northumberland County Council, said: “This will be a real joint effort and we’re working alongside colleagues in other emergency services and local communities to do all we can to support residents and keep the county safe.
“With travel disruption already in Scotland we’re in for some difficult and dangerous road conditions and would advise people against unnecessary travel over the coming days, particularly in exposed areas. We'd also ask anyone whose route involves travelling through fords to find an alternative as they are particularly dangerous in times of heavy rainfall.
“As we work through Storm Babet we’d once again like to thank the people of Northumberland – they've been fantastic in previous storms supporting each other, looking out for their neighbours and we’re confident we’ll see this again.”
Useful contact details include:
Northumberland Communities Together (for anyone struggling with food supplies or other essentials) Mon-Fri 9am - 6pm: 01670 620015. Northumberland County Council out-of-hours service: 0345 600 6400
Northern Powergrid www.northernpowergrid.com or call 105.
Scottish Power www.spenergynetworks.co.uk or call 105.
Northumbria Water: 0345 717 1100.
One Call (for concerns about vulnerable residents or safeguarding issues): 01670 536400.
Met Office Storm Babet information https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/press-office/news/weather-and-climate/2023/red-warning-issued-for-storm-babet
If you are experiencing an emergency call 999.
People can also keep up to date on the latest information via the council’s social media channels:
Twitter: @northumberlands
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nccalerts