Storm Cleanup Underway: Rutland County Council Urges Caution as Roads Reopen and Flood Risk Persists and power is restored.

Rutland is beginning a cleanup operation this morning after the recent storm, with council teams working through the night to clear debris and safely reopen routes. While some major roads have now become passable, Rutland County Council is advising residents to "take care" as local road closures and standing water continue to present hazards.

Over 500 homes and businesses across parts of Rutland and the surrounding area, including Market Overton, Teigh, Edmondthorpe, Ashwell, and Melton Mowbray, were affected by power cuts, though restoration efforts are believed to be well underway.

Road Network Update

Council highways and resilience officers responded to multiple incidents overnight, primarily concerning fallen trees and flooding.

The Stamford Road (A6121) through Tinwell has now reopened. However, several closures remain in place. The Council has confirmed that closed roads will be reopened in priority order once they are deemed safe.

Current Road Closures

Type of Closure	Location	Reason
FULL CLOSURE	Teigh Rd, between Ashwell and Teigh	Fallen tree
FULL CLOSURE	Main St, Seaton	Flooding/Debris
SINGLE LANE	Main St, between Cottesmore and Market Overton	Fallen tree
SINGLE LANE	Junction of Catmos St and South St, Oakham	Debris/Safety
SINGLE LANE	Junction of Station Rd and Kilburn Rd, Oakham	Debris/Safety

Areas of Standing Water

• South St, Oakham

• Cow Lane and Main St, Whissendine

• Derwent Drive Bridge, Oakham

Residents are reminded to report any further flooding on local roads via the Council's website: www.rutland.gov.uk/flooding.

Safety Advice and Weather Outlook

The heavy rain has largely eased, with only light rain forecast throughout Saturday. Crucially, no further weather warnings remain in place for Rutland or the East Midlands, marking a positive step towards recovery.

Rutland County Council stresses the importance of personal safety:

"If you're heading outside now the rain has eased, take care. Keep clear of fast-flowing watercourses and make sure children stay away from swollen rivers, brooks or streams. If you're driving, reduce your speed, allow more time for journeys and take extra care on rural roads. Avoid driving through standing water and turn around if you're unsure."

Flood Alerts Still Active

While the storm has passed, the risk of river flooding remains. Flood Alerts are still in place for the River Wreake and Welland Valley.

It is important for residents to understand the distinction:

• A Flood Alert means flooding is possible.

• A Flood Warning means flooding is expected.

Residents living in at-risk areas are strongly encouraged to sign up for automatic flood warnings over text, phone, or email by visiting: www.rutland.gov.uk/flooding.