Sheffield weather: Flood warnings and alerts in place after Storm Elin lashes city

A number of flood alerts have been issued for Sheffield after Storm Elin lashed Sheffield with heavy rain and fierce winds.

There are also flood warnings in place in surrounding areas, with people there urged to take immediate action.

The areas described as being at risk within Sheffield include Sheffield city centre, Kelham Island, Meadowhall and High Green.

A Met Office yellow weather warning for rain ended at 3am on Sunday, December 10, but more rain is forecast for Sunday morning and this evening.

Roads closed and trees brought down by strong winds

A yellow warning for wind which was in place for most of Saturday has passed, but the gales are understood to have brought down a number of trees, including a large one on East Bank Road, shown in the video above.

The A628 Woodhead Pass was closed in both directions between the A616 (Flouch) and the A57 (Hollingworth) due to strong winds, with a number of vehicles having overturned along the route. National Highways said it would remain closed throughout the evening while those vehicles were recovered.

The M1 Tinsley Viaduct was closed to high vehicles, over 6ft9in, and to motorbikes and vehicles towing.

Tram train services were also suspended on Saturday evening due to flooding concerns.

A second named storm, Storm Fergus, is also set to hit the UK this weekend.

Where have flood warnings and flood alerts been issued?

As of 9am on Sunday, December 9, there were seven flood alerts and two flood warnings in place for areas in and around Sheffield listed on the Government flood warning website. They are:

Flood warning for River Derwent at Calver - River levels are rising at the Chatsworth river gauge as a result of persistent heavy rainfall. Consequently, flooding of property, roads and farmland is possible from 03:00 today, 10/12/2023. Areas most at risk are Calver, including Calver Caravan Site. Flood warning for River Derwent at Grindleford - River levels remain high but are beginning to fall at the Mytham Bridge river gauge as a result of persistent heavy rainfall Consequently, risk of flooding remains. Areas most at risk are Grindleford.

Flood alert for Blackburn Brook - River levels are currently rising on the Blackburn Brook due to widespread rainfall today, Saturday 09/12/2023. Areas most at risk include Blackburn Brook from High Green to Meadowhall, including Charlton Brook, Ecclesfield Brook and Whitley Brook.

Flood alert for Lower River Rother - River levels on the Lower River Rother are now peaking following last night’s rain and will fall throughout today, Sunday 10/12/23. There are further bands of rain forecast mid-morning and this evening and flooding is still possible throughout today. Areas most at risk include River Rother and its tributaries from Renishaw to Rotherham.

Flood alert for Middle River Don catchment - River levels have peaked on the Middle Don and are now falling following last night’s rain, however levels remain high and flooding is still possible this morning, Sunday 10/12/2023. Therefore this Flood Alert remains in force. Areas most at risk include The River Don in Sheffield from Lady’s Bridge in Sheffield City Centre to Meadowhall.

Flood alert for Porter Brook Catchment - River levels are forecast to rise on the Porter Brook in Sheffield due to widespread rainfall today, Saturday 09/12/2023. Flooding is possible from 7 PM to 1 AM on 09/12/2023 to 10/12/2023, with a peak at 9 PM. Further rainfall is forecast overnight with weather remaining unsettled throughout the rest of the weekend.

Flood alert for River Sheaf Catchment - River levels are forecast to rise on the River Sheaf due to widespread rainfall today, Saturday 09/12/2023. Areas most at risk include River Sheaf and its tributaries. Flooding is possible from 6 PM to 6 AM on 09/12/2023 to 10/12/2023, with a peak in Sheffield at 10 PM. Further rainfall is forecast overnight with weather remaining unsettled throughout the rest of the weekend.

Flood alert for Upper River Don catchment - River levels on the Upper River Don have peaked, have been falling overnight and will continue to fall throughout today, Sunday 10/12/2023. There are further bands of rain forecast mid-morning and this evening, which will see levels increase again this evening and are forecast to reach similar levels to yesterday. We will continue to closely monitor rainfall and river levels closely. Areas most at risk include River Don and its tributaries from Penistone to Kelham Island in Sheffield.

Flood alert for Upper River Rother catchment - River levels are currently rising on the River Rother between Chesterfield to Whittington due to widespread rainfall today and into this evening, Saturday 09/12/2023. Flooding is possible from 6 PM to 2 AM on 09/12/2023 to 10/12/2023, with a peak expected in Chesterfield at 11 PM. Further rainfall is forecast overnight with weather remaining unsettled throughout the rest of the weekend.

Two flood warnings, issued for the River Derwent at Bamford and the River Derwent at Hathersage, have been lifted.

What to do if there is a flood alert or flood warning where you live

A flood alert means flooding is possible and people in those areas should be prepared.

That includes checking the latest flood risk situation, having a bag ready with vital items like insurance documents in medications in case you have to leave your home, making sure you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies if necessary, and planning how you would move your family and pets to safety.

A flood warning means flooding is expected and people should act now. The advice includes moving vehicles to higher ground, if safe to do so, moving family and pets to safety, moving important items upstairs, and turning off gas, electricity and water supplies if safe to do so. You should never touch an electrical switch if you’re standing in water.