A band of heavy rain moved across the North East earlier this week, with further rainfall due through to Sunday 22nd. The Met Office has issued a Red warning as Storm Babet will bring exceptional rainfall and impactful wind for some
I’ve shared below some of the key updates and key contacts from local organisations. Always remember, if you are experiencing an emergency call 999.
- Northumberland County Council out-of-hours service: 0345 600 6400
- Northumbrian Water: 0345 717 1100
- One Call (for concerns about vulnerable residents or safeguarding issues): 01670 536400
- Met Office Storm Babet info: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/.../red-warning-issued-for...
ENVIRONMENT AGENCY UPDATE
The flood gates at Rothbury were closed earlier this morning and the EA are continuing to monitor the rainfall across the north east and the corresponding impact on river levels. You can keep up to date with the latest flood information on their website at https://www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-at-risk-of-flooding or check out our live flood warning map at https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/map, sign up for free flood warnings by contacting Floodline on 0345 988 1188 and a Smartphone Flood Alert App can be downloaded for free.
NORTHERN POWERGRID UPDATE
Teams are on standby and are ready to support customers across the North East if the storm impacts power supplies. As needed, Northern Powergrid will continue to keep customers updated via their website, social media channels and via text message. They encourage customers to report if they experience a power cut online at northernpowergrid.com or to call 105, while if you or someone you know is a vulnerable or priority customer you feel needs to be registered for extra support, they can contact the dedicated priority service line 0800 169 2996
SCOTTISH POWER UPDATE
Constituents who wish to report a power outage or emergency should call 105 to report or get information about power cuts in their local area. 105 is a free service. Alternatively constituents, can contact the SP Energy Networks Emergency Customer Contact Number – 0800 092 9290 from a landline or mobile. SP Energy Networks offers extra support to customers who need it most through its Priority Services Register. The Priority Services Register is available to people aged over 60, those with special communication needs or dependent on electricity for home or medical care, have a child under 5 years old, have a chronic illness or feel they require a little extra help. To be added to the register, visit spenergynetworks.co.uk/psr or text ‘PSR’ to 61999.
LNER UPDATE
A new red weather warning has been issued across Scotland which will be in place until midnight on Saturday 21 October and the railway north of Edinburgh remains closed. LNER is not running any services north of Edinburgh at present. A reduced service will be operating south of Edinburgh. We strongly advise customers to check before they travel as services may be heavily delayed and are likely to be very busy. If you have a ticket dated for Thursday 19 October, Friday 20 October, Saturday 21 October and Sunday 22 October for travel between Edinburgh and Aberdeen / Inverness, your LNER ticket will be valid for travel between Monday 23 October and Friday 27 October. If you choose not to travel and your journey tickets are unused, you may obtain a full refund from your point of purchase.
RNLI UPDATE
The forecasted strong winds along with heavy rain are likely to cause dangerous conditions for those visiting the coast around the UK. The RNLI advises staying a safe distance away from the water and cliff edges as the conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea. It is not worth risking your life. If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.