Storm Claudia – Advice to keep safe

Firefighters are calling for people to be prepared and take extra care as Storm Claudia hits Derbyshire.

Significant rainfall is expected into the weekend, leading to rising river levels, fast flowing water, localised flooding, and surface water on roads across the county.

The Met Office has issued weather warnings for wind and rain lasting until early on Saturday morning.  

Group Manager Rob Leverton said: “Storm Claudia is expected to bring heavy rainfall across Derbyshire from Friday into Saturday morning therefore we’re asking everyone to take extra care and prepare for the impact.

“To understand your local risk and how to prepare, I would strongly encourage everyone to sign up to the Environmental Agencies flood alerts and warnings. 

“I would also like to call on motorists and members of the public to take extra care whether they are driving on the roads or out walking today and into the weekend.

“Please do not ignore road closure signs, these are in place to keep you safe and always drive to the road conditions.

“Keep well away from fast-flowing rivers. Banks and footpaths will be slippery and could be unstable due to the weather. Always keep dogs on leads and away from the water’s edge.”
 
Communities are asked to sign up to flood alerts so they can prepare. 
Drivers are asked to drive to the road conditions, taking particular care due to surface water. 

• Do NOT ignore Road Closed signs – they are in place to warn of danger!
• Drive to the conditions – watch your speed.
• Be aware of stopping distances.
• Do NOT drive through flood water.
  Just 60cm of standing water will float a car.
  Just 30cm of flowing water could be enough to move/float a car.
• Do NOT attempt to drive through Fords which are in flood!

Walkers, Runners and Dog Walkers

• Please be aware of rising river levels and fast flowing water.
• Keep away from the water’s edge.
• Keep dogs on leads when near open water!
• Never enter the water to rescue anyone, or any animal that may be in trouble in water. Call 999 immediately.

For more information about Storm Claudia and taking care, please follow the Environment Agency, The Met Office, and Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service on social channels @DerbyshireFRS.