Storm Babet hit the region on Friday, causing heavy rain, gale-force winds, and widespread disruption. Norfolk experienced flooded streets, fallen trees, closed schools, and gridlock on its busiest roads. The A47 and A11 were both closed for long stretches, with the A11 shut down due to a fallen tree and flooding. The A47 was closed in both directions due to deep water on the road. Thousands of homes lost power, and some people were trapped in their homes. The Norfolk coast faced tidal surges and 60mph winds.
The village of Hemsby, already vulnerable to coastal erosion, was particularly affected. The storm caused tensions to rise in the community as they learned they would not receive government funding for a much-needed rock ‘berm’ to protect their properties. Residents in houses on the crumbling clifftops were warned that they may have to evacuate. One homeowner described the anxiety of hearing the house shake as the sea crashed against the dunes.
In Suffolk, a major incident was declared as the downstairs of thousands of homes flooded. The town of Framlingham became impassable as the Mere overflowed, submerging cars. A care home in the area saw floodwaters rise to the ground floor windows. In Scotland, which was the worst-hit area, two people died, including a driver hit by a tree and a woman swept away by a river. Rescue efforts were launched to save people trapped on flooded roads.
The Met Office issued a rare red weather alert, warning of the danger to life from fast-flowing or deep floodwater. In Norfolk, the rain was expected to continue over the weekend, with some dry spells on Sunday. The storm caused the cancellation of several events and the closure of schools. The Fakenham Racecourse called off a race meeting to prioritize the safety of horses and jockeys. Ipswich Town’s game against Rotherham was also canceled due to flooding in Yorkshire.
