South Yorkshire and North East Derbyshire
Why did the floods happen?
Between 14 June and 25 June a large amount of rain fell across South Yorkshire causing widespread flooding. There were two major rainfall episodes; the first between 14 and 15 June and the second between 24 and 25 June. Rainfall between 13 and 26 June was between three (at Dore 3.2) and seven (at Harley 7.4) times the long term average for this period.
On 15 June severe surface flooding arose throughout South Yorkshire and river flooding occurred in some communities as the Rivers Dearne and Dove and Blackburn Beck in Sheffield overtopped.
On 24 and 25 June rain fell on an already saturated Don catchment and there was both surface and main river flooding.
In the early stages of the second rainfall event surface streams, becks, drains and sewers were overwhelmed and flash flooding turned some roads and streets into rivers. In some communities large volumes of surface water accumulated in low lying areas inundating hundreds of homes. The levels of the Don and it’s tributaries the Rother and Dearne rose rapidly to record levels. Communities such as Darfield on the Dearne flooded for the second time in 10 days.
The Don over topped its banks in Sheffield from the Wicker down to the Meadowhall Shopping Centre and through Rotherham inundating some areas already affected by surface flooding. The flood water then made its way into the lower Don catchment and flooded parts of Bentley and Toll Bar to the north of Doncaster. The water that accumulated in Toll Bar took two weeks to be pumped away.
Where did the floods take place?
15 June - Badly affected areas included: Barnsley, Wombwell, Darton, Denby Dale, Darfield, Low Valley and parts of Sheffield and Rotherham. Around 250 homes were flooded.
25 June - Communities adjacent to the rivers Dearne, Rother and Don were affected in the Chesterfield, Dronfield, Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster districts. 5323 properities were flooded in South Yorkshire.
What did we do during the floods?
Throughout the floods we used a number of different ways to warn people of the risk of flooding from rivers. We use a combination of these methods depending on the information and systems that are available in that area. Examples of these are:
- Regular updates via the media on TV, radio and the internet.
- Floodline - information was available 24 hours a day, 7 days by calling 0845 988 1188.
- Live warnings in force were detailed on our website.
- Floodline Warnings Direct - sent warnings 24 hours a day by telephone, text message, email, fax or pager. Register by calling 0845 988 1188.
- Loud hailers were used to warn people.
What did we do to forecast where flooding would happen? We use the latest technology 24 hours a day to monitor rainfall, river levels and sea conditions. We can provide local area forecasts on the possibility of flooding and how severe it will be. We use this information to know when to issue flood warnings.
How did we warn the public? Many parts of the country are covered by the our full four stage Flood Warning Service. In areas where it is not possible to accurately forecast flooding from rivers or the sea we provide a general early alert for possible flooding for all rivers, streams and watercourses across the whole country, known as Flood Watch. It is similar to the ‘Weather Watch’ message you see on some TV weather forecasts, but is specific to flooding and is issued via the media.
To find out more information about flood warnings for places flooded click visit the North East Region page.
What emergency works did we carry out during the flood? When part of the Ulley reservoir dam subsided an emergency pumping operation was undertaken to lower levels in the reservoir, this operation took several days. Nearly 900 residents of Catcliffe, Whiston and Treeton were evacuated and the M1 closed as a precaution against the dam failing.
What impact did the floods have?
How did the floods impact on infrastructure? As well as disrupting the road and rail networks 136 sewage treatments works and 172 sewage pumping stations were affected by the flooding. Electricity sub stations were affected. A system of rota disconnections was instituted for a period affecting large areas of Sheffield.
What did we communicate during and after the floods?
We had many staff out and about talking to people who were affected by the floods giving them advice about what was happening how to deal with the floods. We took part in media interviews to warn people about what was happening.
What are we doing in the future?
- Into the future
The 2007 summer floods provided us with valuable information about areas of England and Wales at risk from flooding. Find out how we will use this new information.
- What can you do?
Find out if you are at risk of flooding, prepare for flood, sign up for Floodline Warnings Direct.
