RESIDENTS have had to leave flooded homes this evening with the council issuing advice for people to avoid travel.
Residents in Low Valley, Wombwell, are among those who have had to flee their homes after the River Dove burst its banks flooding their properties.
The government’s Flood Information Service has issued flood warnings for the Dearne at Darton and Barugh, River Dearne at Burton Grange and Lundwood, the River Dove from Aldham Bridge to Low Valley including Wombwell Ings Caravan Site, and Brook Dike at Wath Upon Dearne.
Many areas across the borough are affected after a full day of persistent heavy rain left rivers, canals and dikes swelling and overflowing.
There are reports of some problems being made worse by off-road vehicles driving fast into flood waters causing violent waves to flood into homes.
One flooded resident told the Chronicle: "Thoughtless drivers of 4x4s made things even worse, tearing through the floodwater and leaving a tidal wave in their wake. One came past our house and within seconds, the water burst through the door and started pouring in through the brickwork."
Gary Cooper sent in the below video from Low Valley.
A post on Barnsley Council's Facebook page said: "Due to the serious ongoing flooding issues, please stay at home. Do not leave unless you're asked to do so by the emergency services. Please do not travel unless absolutely essential."
Latest updates from the council warn that: ⁃homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, causing damage to some buildings; ⁃fast flowing or deep flood water is likely, causing danger to life; ⁃delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely; ⁃spray and flooding leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures; ⁃a chance some communities could be cut off by flooded roads; ⁃power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses.
A full list of current road closures can be found here.
