More heavy rains are forecast for the UK as Storm Christoph makes its way across the country over the next couple of days. Residents in areas potentially affected are urged to be prepared for flooding.
What is the Alert?
The Met Office has warned of “danger to life” from floods, gales and snow as Storm Christoph heads towards the UK. Conditions are likely to be difficult for many areas of the County. In fact there are MET Office Severe Weather Warnings in force, with amber warnings for East of England from heavy rain today, tomorrow and Thursday.
There are amber alerts in place for the more northern parts of Cambridgeshire, and lower-level yellow alerts for the more southern parts. South Cambridgeshire falls right in between the two alert areas, so as ever it is best to be prepared.
How to be prepared
As part of being prepared, it is well worth keeping up to date with the Flood Warnings via the Government Flood Information Service. There, remember you can sign-up for flood warnings to be sent direct to you via phone, text or email.
The Council advice to residents of the district now is to take action to protect homes and businesses just in case we do get the heavy rains. This is especially the case for those residents and communities with a history of flooding.
There are steps that can be taken to protect properties listed on South Cambridgeshire website. This includes preparing sandbags now / having any flood gates close to hand or unlocked and on standby.
The Council’s Awarded Watercourse Team continues to check the waterways that the Council are responsible for maintaining. This work will continue in the days ahead to help ensure water flows freely during heavy rains.
If residents require advice or have any issues, they can contact our Environmental Health team by calling 03450 450 063. Alternatively, if they are calling out of hours (after 5:30pm) the number is 0845 609 5437.
We advice residents in Little Gransden, Longstowe and Bourn to be especially vigilant and prepared.
Help from Other Organisations
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue and Environment Agency advice people to know what to do if heavy rains results in a flood.
Prepare
Have a #GrabBag ready in case you need to leave in a hurry if your home floods. Pack a bag with medicines, insurance documents and a change of clothes.
Act
Turn off gas, water and electricity. Move things to safety.
Survive
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. Follow emergency services’ advice. Stay Safe. Check latest flood updates.
