Storm Babet - Extreme rainfall NE Scotland and widely elsewhere*

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings#?date=2023-10-19

An unusually early warning for the low possibility of some extreme rainfall for NE Scotland at the end of the week. Note the text of the warning!

Please keep a close eye on this one and be prepared to act if necessary. Ensure that if you live in an at risk area that you are ready.
https://ready.scot/respond/severe-weather/rain-and-flooding

*[Please note - title edited again by MNHQ at OP's request to reflect evolving situation]

The overall map for tomorrow now is just getting absurd.

I feel like it should just say "nope, just don't" and the weather mappers can go home and pour themselves a stiff drink.

I think at one point earlier there were 12 warnings in place (although it was difficult to count accurately as some were ‘behind’ others and the labels moved as I zoomed in and out). Never seen anything like it. (Edited to add: like Papillon’s picture, the two north east ambers seem to have another label behind them)

It’s been warm here all day today but it’s seemed kind of eerie and unnatural, possibly because of knowing what’s waiting in the wings but it’s been odd.

I watched the Met Office map animation at 1am earlier today. It begins with observations (it started with Tuesday), then obvs when it got to NOW it changed to the forecast weather. I sat mesmerised watching the S Coast of Devon, knowing that a load of water was about to dump itself there. I almost believed it wasn't going to happen, but I knew it was from this thread

I watched the rest of it, and could clearly we are under the rotating depression, and it looks as if a HUGE sprinkler is spinning slowly round above the British Isles. So the wind direction keeps changing.

I've been keeping an eye on our local river level throughout the day. It's been raining fairly steadily but not too heavily here in west Northumberland although we did have a bit of sunshine earlier. The level is slowly rising and I'm a bit concerned what will happen if we get heavy rain over the next couple of days.

Just checked out the back and it's now raining steadily and more heavily. No wind though. I'll know it's time to start getting worried when the landlord puts the flood doors on!!

We are back up in Cheshire from the SE. Sunroof repair has held and a spare part on order to be sorted asap.
our last chicken is in an upstairs roost, which I’m pleased about as our garden flooded in the last torrential rain. If it looks like it’s going to happen again she will be living in the bathroom!

This warning from Angus Council is pretty stark:

If told to evacuate, please leave .... the latest modelling from Sepa is that water levels at the River South Esk in Brechin could reach an unprecedented 5m (16.4ft) above normal levels ..... the flood defences are designed to deal with levels of 3.8m (12.5ft), but the water could breach this long before peak levels between 01:00 and 08:00.

https://www.ssen.co.uk/news-views/2023/SSEN-Distribution-issues-weather-warning-for-north-of-Scotland-ahead-of-Storm-Babet/
Electricity updates.

@feellikeanalien I am wondering if the plessey viaduct is going to hold. It's quite a mess after crumbling away the other weekend and I'm surprised that they've estimated as near as early november to get it fixed.

I'm going to head off to bed. Stay safe tonight, particularly those in the red warning area.

Apparently Network Rail have said there is no danger to the structural integrity but who knows. A friend had to go to Morpeth from Ponteland this morning and said there was already a bit of flooding and some trees down. Hopefully the new Morpeth flood defences will make a difference there.

We have quite a long school run in the morning over some quite exposed high ground so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

@feellikeanalien @PickAChew found this:

Yeah. This is why trains were being stopped at Newcastle, a couple of weekends ago, after those storms. It looks a mess and I can imagine it's pretty vulnerable in what is likely to be worse conditions.

I'm in the South East- we've just driven home from Shocktoberfest - the drive home was almost as scary as Shocktoberfest itself tbh - the rain was horrendous on the dark and winding roads.

Woke up to see this this morning.
Dreading the morning school run.

Thanks for this @ListenLinda
I'm around that area. About to take the dog for a 'walk' 🛶🛶🛶
Please keep safe everyone 🥰

@hoochycrone a fellow Bradfordian?! I thought I was the only one 😂

Thanks for all the updates @OhYouBadBadKitten

We have an amber weather warning here and it's the last day before half term. I wonder how many of my class stay home.

I’m thinking of keeping ds off. It’s the last day, he’s at school twelve miles away and gets a train. I can’t drive at the moment to collect him if there are any train issues

Checking in from a very wet Cheshire! Fortunately just standard 'pouring down' here.

I think that's a very sensible idea.

Morning all. I hope you've fared well overnight. You're welcome Whinge.

Rainfall totals so far.

Im busy for for most of the day today, but will check in where I can.

Doing well so far in our area no power cuts or damage so far 🤞🏻. Rain still falling and wind still howling round the house .

That's good Guilty.

Latest radar.

Thanks OYBBK 💕

No, @ListenLinda more HD8 👋

Just back from the dog walk. Just bad rain, but I think it's the build up of water over the day that will have impact.

I’ve messaged school to ask if there will be leeway for travelling to school this morning due to the weather - no response.