Floods In Britain

Northern Advocate, 14 January 1948, Page 3

Floods In Britain

LONDON, Tue. Serious floods which followed rain in many parts of Britain at the week-end became worse today after a night of heavy rain and gales. Some rivers have overflowed their banks, other are still rising, and acres of farmland are inundated. The floods may become worse as snow melts in the north of Scotland and parts of northeim England. Last night was one of the wildest nights of the winter . in the English Channel. .

More rain and gales are forecast for today in southern England. The gales whipped up dangerous seas, and. lifeboats were launched from several stations at the week-end in answer to distress signals. RIVERS RISING Farmers in some Welsh valleys are leaving their houses and moving stock to higher ground. In mid-Wales the Severn, Dovey and Vyrnwy rivers flooded their valleys, isolating farms. The Severn rose 17ft above the lowest level in Montgomeryshire, where’ 2in of rain fell in 24 hours. The village of Caersws was flooded to a depth of 2ft. The river Conway broke its banks for the second time in a week, flooding thousands of acres. In Yorkshire the Derwent is over its banks, and other rivers are near flood level. After days of gales and rain, Sussex farmers are moving stock to safety. WORST IN 70 YEARS Floods in Derbyshire, the worst reported in 70 yers, and in Yorkshire, mid-Wales and Herefordshire stopped trains, inundated roads and invaded houses. A 60-mile-an-hour gale brought heavy rain and warm air to thaw snow on the highlands. Residents of Derbyshire’s Hope Valiev took to rooftops. The River Severn rose 12ft at Worcester and the River Avon 9ft above its normal level at Bath.