So sorry that I disappeared. It's been a really stressful couple of days. Thank you for everyone's messages, it's been so difficult.
Somehow our house wasn't flooded but the house at the bottom of our street and the whole of the next street over were. So it was a very close call for us. It was so scary to see the water rising and not be able to do anything.
The local community is really pulling together. The damage caused is really coming to light now as most of the floods have receded.
Lots of our friends have been flooded and have lost so much. Local houses and businesses are still being pumped to remove the water. Whole streets are empty where people have had to leave their homes as they're inhabitable. The town is ruined. We have more rain on the way too, but it doesn't look like it'll cause as many problems.
Dcat1 still hasn't come home and has been missing since Friday morning. I hope wherever he is, he's warm and cosy and tucking into some tuna. We've told dss that he has gone on holiday and we're not sure when he'll be home. Dcat2 is starting to pine for him and has been waiting at the catflap for him to return. The local lost and found Facebook page is full of lost / deceased pets which is heartbreaking.
I wouldn't wish this on anyone. My thoughts are with everyone who's been flooded here and those who are bracing themselves for the storm to reach them.
My advice is don't wait, water can rise very quickly. Move anything you can upstairs including any important documents. Check if vulnerable neighbours need any help. The town hadn't flooded for decades, so most people assumed they would be ok. The river was much higher than its previous record and with our current climate, I can only assume this will be the first of many floods / landslides to come. 