Calderdale Council is thanking communities for pulling together and is encouraging people to have a flood plan, after Storm Franklin brought persistent heavy rain and strong winds to the borough on Sunday 20 February.

Flood warnings were in place throughout the day and the ground was already saturated due to the impact of Storm Dennis and Storm Eunice last week.

A small number of properties were affected and there was a large amount of surface water on roads right across Calderdale. This led to some temporary road closures, including Park Road between Elland and Brighouse when the canal burst its banks.

All the affected roads are now back open apart from Mill Lane in Mixenden due to a collapsed wall. Teams are assessing the damage and will reopen the road when it is safe to do so.

Flood warnings for Walsden, Todmorden, Brearley and Luddendenfoot were removed just before noon on Monday. No further flooding is expected in these areas. Please continue to stay well away from swollen watercourses and floodwater, and be aware of debris and surface water affecting roads.

Water is pouring off fields just off Burnley Road, on Windle Royd Lane in Halifax, so drivers are asked to avoid the area due to standing water on the road. Teams are working hard to resolve the issue.

Surface water is a hazard, and this was one of the biggest impacts of Storm Franklin in Calderdale. In these cases, people are advised not to travel unless essential and not to drive through water if this can be avoided. If you have to drive through standing water, please take care and drive slowly to avoid putting yourself and nearby properties at greater risk.

Throughout Sunday, Council teams, partner organisations, flood wardens and local residents showed their usual Calderdale kindness and community spirit, braving the bad weather and working around the clock to support each other, pass on vital information and respond to issues. Freezing temperatures by the end of the day meant ice was an added risk, so gritters were out to keep roads as safe as possible. Teamwork continues today to support clean-up operations in the worst-hit areas.

Preparations were in place before the storm hit and flood defences and other resilience work held up well. The impact of the rainfall was thankfully less severe than in previous flooding events, but it was a very near miss.

Visit www.eyeoncalderdale.com for advice on preparing for flooding. Eye on Calderdale is also the one-stop website for up-to-date information about flooding, weather and traffic disruption in Calderdale.

Flood preparation advice includes:

• If there is a flood alert, prepare by packing medicines and insurance and other important documents and visit the flood warning information service.
• If there is a flood warning, act by moving family, pets and belongings to safety. Turn off gas, water and electricity.
• If there is a severe flood warning, survive immediate danger by following the advice of emergency services or calling 999 if needed.

For more information visit www.eyeoncalderdale.com