As Storm Babet unleashes its fury across the United Kingdom, a tragedy unfolded in Angus, Scotland, where a 57-year-old woman lost her life after being swept into the Water of Lee at Glen Esk. The incident occurred amid gale-force winds and flooding, prompting the evacuation of 400 homes in the Scottish region. A rare red weather alert is in place until midday on Friday, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Amber warnings for wind and rain have been issued for parts of northern England, the Midlands, and northern Wales, lasting from noon on Friday to 06.00 on Saturday. Additionally, Northern Ireland faces a yellow warning from 03.00 on Friday to 09.00 on Saturday, as the storm continues its destructive path.
The Environment Agency’s Flood-line service issued four flood warnings in Sandsend, North Yorkshire; Bridlington, East Yorkshire; the Tyne estuary; and areas surrounding the River Maun in Nottinghamshire. Furthermore, 79 flood alerts are in effect across the rest of England, highlighting the widespread impact of Storm Babet.
Severe flood warnings were expanded for the River Esk in Scotland, including Aberdeenshire, as the Met Office cautioned that some communities could be isolated for several days due to severe flooding. The British Geological Survey also issued a warning of potential landslides in Scotland as a result of the storm.
Yellow and Amber wind warnings are in place for eastern parts of Scotland and along the east coast of England until the weekend. With gusts exceeding 60mph, coastal areas face particularly hazardous conditions, including large waves.
The town of Brechin witnessed evacuations on Thursday night, with fire crews and the coastguard advising residents to leave. Angus Council, responsible for a large area in the east of Scotland, announced the evacuation of residents in 335 homes in Brechin and 87 homes in Tannadice and Finavon due to the risk of severe flooding. The Council warned of potential river levels five meters higher than normal, rendering flood defences useless.
In response to the escalating situation, schools in the affected region will remain closed on Friday to ensure the safety of children, young people, parents, and school staff. The storm has already caused power cuts, affecting 20,000 properties, with efforts underway to restore electricity to those impacted.
The Met Office’s red weather warning, initiated at 18.00 on Thursday, has been expanded to include Dundee, Perth and Kinross, Angus, and Aberdeenshire, where dramatic 20ft waves crashed into Stonehaven harbour, signalling the relentless force of Storm Babet.
