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People in Suffolk are being asked not to travel unless absolutely essential - as the heavy rain caused by Storm Babet has led to a major incident being declared in Suffolk.
Jon Lacey, Suffolk’s Chief Fire Officer, said:
If people do need to travel on roads, motorists are advised to drive with caution due to the heavy rain and keep alert for surface water, drive according to the conditions, keep headlights on and increase distance from the vehicle in front and be prepared to back off if visibility gets worse.
Partners in the Suffolk Resilience Forum, including councils, health bodies and emergency services, have taken the decision following the increasing number of flooded roads, impact on schools, health and care provision and the emergency services.
It means public organisations will work even closer than usual to tackle the challenges presented by the bad weather, including joint decision making, information-sharing and on the ground support for Suffolk residents.
Reports from each of Suffolk Resilience Forum agency were considered before it was decided that the current situation meets the agreed threshold for a major incident, including special arrangements now being implemented by one or more emergency responder agencies.
A major incident is called when the situation is believed to be beyond ‘business-as-usual’ operations and when there is the heightened risk of serious harm, damage, disruption or threat to human life or welfare.