Safety advice as services affected by amber warning

Residents in Syston have placed sandbags outside their homes in anticipation of flooding

An amber rain warning has been declared by the Met Office across the East Midlands.

There are 25 flood alerts currently in place across the region, and one flood warning, which is more severe.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has urged the public to take extra precautions as a result of Storm Claudia, which has brought heavy rain and winds to England and Wales.

Authorities have warned that flooding, transport disruption, and dangerous driving conditions are likely.

The amber weather warning for the East Midlands lasts until 23:59 GMT on Friday, and becomes a yellow warning until 06:00 on Saturday.

The flood warning has been put in place for Grace Dieu Brook at Whitwick in Leicestershire.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has advised the following:

• Communities are asked to sign up to flood alerts so they can prepare.

• Drivers are asked to drive to the road conditions, taking particular care due to surface water.

• Do not ignore Road Closed signs.

• Drive to the conditions - watch your speed.

• Be aware of stopping distances.

• Do not drive through flood water.

• Just 60cm of standing water will float a car.

• Just 30cm of flowing water could be enough to move/float a car.

• Do not attempt to drive through fords which are in flood.

• Walkers, runners and dog walkers: Please be aware of rising river levels and fast-flowing water.

• Keep away from the water's edge.

• Keep dogs on leads when near open water.

• Never enter the water to rescue anyone, or any animal that may be in trouble in water. Call 999 immediately.

A live map with the latest flood alerts and warnings can be found here.

More details specific to Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire are below.

Leicestershire

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service has suggested the following areas may be worst affected, based on the latest forecasts:

• Top of the River Soar

• Frisby-on-the-Wreake

• Rothley Brook

• Woodbrook at Loughborough

• Pillings Lock and Kegworth on the River Soar

Flood wardens in Syston have delivered sandbags to different locations in the village, including University Close, West Street and Victoria Street.

Charnwood Borough Council had said several rides at Loughborough Fair would not be operating on Friday due to high winds.

However, after carrying out safety checks, the authority confirmed the Star Flyer, Booster and XXL Bungee would be opening as planned.

A spokesperson added: "The Outwoods and Queen's Park in Loughborough are also closed due to the wind and danger of falling branches."

Meanwhile, the Christmas Fair at Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park has been cancelled due to the severe weather warning forecast, organisers confirmed on social media.

The post said: "This decision has not been made lightly and we have explored all options available to us.

"We know that this will be a huge disappointment to many, but the safety of our customers, stallholders, volunteers and staff must remain our top priority. We thank you for your understanding."

Nottinghamshire

Transport Nottingham confirmed Queens Drive park-and-ride would be closed on Saturday due to the forecasts of heavy rain.

An update will be issued over the weekend regarding Monday morning, the organisation said.

A social media post from Transport Nottingham added there was a flood alert in place for the River Leen, Day Brook and Tottle Brook, which covers parts of Nottingham.

Derbyshire

Flood alerts are in place across the county, including in areas near Bakewell, Middleton, South Wingfield, Duffield and Chellaston.

In Amber Valley, the borough council has crews preparing to drop sandbags at Moorlands Road Recreation Ground, Ambergate Duffield Library Car Park, Duffield Danesby Rise Play Area, Denby Bridge Street Car Park, Belper Queen Street Recreation Ground, and Langley Mill.