River Don defences ‘beefed up’ as Sheffield braced for Storm Christoph flooding

Sheffield City Council has said that workers are on site alongside the river at various points through the city to ensure that defences hold following an amber Met Office weather warning for torrential rain over the next few days.

A spokesman said: “We are on site at the River Don preparing flood defences where there is a flood risk.

"We are in direct contact with businesses who may be affected and we are advising that flood action plans are put into place.”

Heavy rain is forecast today and into tomorrow and the council is ensuring the city is prepared for the worst.

Streets Ahead, the council’s highway contractor, is prioritising gully cleaning around known flooding hotspots and operatives are ready to respond swiftly to any reports of localised flooding.

River levels are being closely monitored and there are currently five flood alerts in place for Sheffield, meaning flooding is possible at Blackburn Brook, Middle River Don, River Sheaf and Porter Brook, Upper Derwent and Upper River Don catchment.

Meanwhile, down river in Doncaster, more than 40,000 sandbags have been delivered to residents and a major incident declared as levels on the Don creep up.

Issues on the city’s roads should be reported to the council’s Streets Ahead team on 0114 273 4567.

A spokesman added: “We will have numerous teams responding to reports of flooding and wet spots across the city.”