Storm Austen and Storm Boelo cause widespread flooding across Scarborough

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service responded to 10 emergency calls in three hours on Friday, October 23, as water inundated roads, businesses, and homes.

Crews cleared flooded basements and properties on Westbourne Grove, the Esplanade, Westwood Road, Falsgrave Road, and St Johns Road using portable and ejector pumps.

Firefighters also carried out a water rescue on Plantation Hill to save occupants trapped in a car, alongside assessing stranded vehicles on Seamer Road and Weaponness Road, and street flooding on Commercial Street.

Scarborough resident Alan Hamilton witnessed the flash flooding first-hand: “The main street was a river an inch deep. Poundstretcher by Tesco’s closed early as the shop flooded... Roscoe Street was a stream, Manor Road and Scalby Road roundabout a pond, Woodlands Ravine closed with a police van, and the dual carriageway by the hospital was a lake with a van and car flooded not moving.”

The storm also hit coastal and leisure events. Popular attraction Moonlight on the Lake in Scarborough was cancelled by North Yorkshire Council over safety concerns, while Illuminated Whitby Abbey was temporarily delayed and cancelled. At sea, Scarborough and Bridlington RNLI braved 50mph winds during an emergency call-out that fortunately proved to be a false alarm. North Yorkshire Police warned of widespread travel and rail disruption, fallen trees, and coastal hazards, urging the public never to drive through floodwater or approach overtopping waves: “Our officers and partner agencies are working hard to keep people safe, but we're asking everyone to take extra care if you're travelling or spending time outdoors.”

Northern Powergrid confirmed teams restored power to nearly 102,000 customers, though strong winds initially hindered repairs at height, leaving thousands temporarily off supply across the region.