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Video report from ITV News reporter Ellie Pitt
1,309 houses in North Bedfordshire are being evacuated due to flooding, which police fear could put lives in danger.
There are a number of flood warnings along the Great Ouse River and there are fears of more rain on Boxing Day.
Superintendent Steve Ashdown says: “River levels are extremely high and we expect this to have a significant impact throughout Bedford Borough over the next 24 hours. The fact that this happens on Christmas Day makes things worse, especially after the disruption many of us have already had in our plans, and I really sympathize with people. But this is a really serious situation and we need people to act to stay safe. ”
People who need to leave their homes can seek shelter with family or friends.
Officials say this overrides current Covid-19 regulations on mixing with people due to the potential threat to life posed by the flood.
People who leave their homes are asked to turn off the gas, water and electricity and to carry valuables upstairs.
Officers advise people to only take what they need, such as medication and any insurance documents.
The Bedford Borough Council has established safe COVID emergency assistance centers at Bedford International Athletic Stadium and Bromham Village Hall in Bromham for those who have to evacuate but have no other local place to go.
The Environment Agency expects this to be the highest level of flooding seen in Bedford Borough in several years, and working with partners, we strongly encourage people who are at risk of flooding and who have been contacted to leave if they can do it safely.
This morning, fire crews rescued 9 people and 3 dogs from a badly flooded property in Harrold.
In Northamptonshire, emergency services had to spend the night to rescue 1,000 people from the caravan sites.
Today the images show the extent of the floods
Storm Bella’s arrival on Boxing Day will bring more downpours and winds of up to 60-70 mph in exposed coastal locations, according to the Met Office.
Across England, a total of 85 flood warnings and 110 flood alerts, as well as the two severe flood warnings, remained in effect at 4 p.m. on Christmas Day as large amounts of water flowed through river basins.
