Christoph’s approach brings flooding to villages,
PARTS of East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire were flooded yesterday as Storm Christoph started to move in.
In South Derbyshire, a driver had to abandon their car in aptly named Watery Lane in Bretby after trying to navigate through deep floodwater.
The blue Peugeot was pictured by officers from the South Derbyshire Response Unit.
A spokesman for the police team said: “Some roads are flooded around South Derbyshire, like the ironically and very aptly named Watery Lane in Bretby.
“The driver of this vehicle sadly found out the hard way that there’s no point risking it. Turn around and find a different route.”
Scropton, Newton Solney, Milton, near Repton, and Ticknall also saw flooding.
In East Staffordshire, Chapel Lane in Rolleston was flooded and the River Dove was at a high level as it flowed through the village, causing some flooding in Brookside.
Councillor Philip White, deputy leader of Staffordshire County Council, who represents the village on the authority, said: “All of us who live in Rolleston are concerned when heavy rain is forecast and I know from talking to people who have seen their homes flooded how much of an effect that has had on their lives.
“As it is clear that climate change is making flooding a more regular problem it is important that more is done to try and protect homes. I have pushed the county council hard on this issue and am pleased that a major drainage scheme is being delivered on Beacon Road and Station Road in the next few months to tackle the flooding there.
“The Environment Agency continue to work on the problems on Brookside and Burnside caused by high water levels on the Brook.”
A yellow weather warning for rain affecting Burton, South Derbyshire and Staffordshire is set to be in place until Thursday.
Rainfall started on Monday evening and the Met Office warned the severe weather could cause danger to life and see homes and businesses flooded in some areas.
Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said rain was “initially” the main concern but the picture would change as low pressure could introduce colder air.
He said: “As we go through the week and the low pressure that is bringing these fronts of rainfall that are persistent and heavy over the next few days … as that low pressure moves east and out into the North Sea, the winds will become a thing really later in the week.
“Also as the low pressure moves away it pulls down a north-westerly airflow which brings much colder air across the UK again which then presents a further risk of snow.” ■■Weather map: Page 13