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Storm Dennis: Woman missing in floods believed to have died Storm Dennis: Woman missing in floods believed to have died
(32 minutes later)
A woman who went missing in floods in Worcestershire is believed to have died, police have said.A woman who went missing in floods in Worcestershire is believed to have died, police have said.
The woman disappeared on Sunday near Eastham Bridge, which crosses the River Teme near Tenbury Wells.The woman disappeared on Sunday near Eastham Bridge, which crosses the River Teme near Tenbury Wells.
The search resumed earlier but is now a "recovery rather than rescue mission", West Mercia Police said.The search resumed earlier but is now a "recovery rather than rescue mission", West Mercia Police said.
Widespread evacuations are taking place across Worcestershire and Herefordshire as river levels continue to rise in the wake of Storm Dennis.Widespread evacuations are taking place across Worcestershire and Herefordshire as river levels continue to rise in the wake of Storm Dennis.
Severe flood warnings, meaning a danger to life, remain in place for the River Teme in Ludlow and in Tenbury Wells.Severe flood warnings, meaning a danger to life, remain in place for the River Teme in Ludlow and in Tenbury Wells.
The River Wye in Hereford reached its highest recorded level overnight - 6.3m (nearly 21ft).The River Wye in Hereford reached its highest recorded level overnight - 6.3m (nearly 21ft).
In a statement about the missing woman, who has not been named, officers said: "The search has continued this morning, including the use of the police helicopter. In a statement about the missing woman, who has not been named, police said: "The search has continued this morning, including the use of the police helicopter.
"Sadly, however, due to the circumstances of the length of time in the water and other conditions we believe that this will now be a recovery rather than rescue operation."Sadly, however, due to the circumstances of the length of time in the water and other conditions we believe that this will now be a recovery rather than rescue operation.
"Her family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.""Her family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers."
A man rescued from the water close to where the woman disappeared remains in a stable condition in hospital, police added. West Midlands Ambulance Service said it was called to reports of two people being swept into the water.
A man rescued close to where the woman disappeared was airlifted to hospital, the service added.
He remains in a stable condition, police said.
About 130 homes in Tenbury were evacuated overnight, with roads in the area described as "virtually all impassable" by Worcestershire County Council.About 130 homes in Tenbury were evacuated overnight, with roads in the area described as "virtually all impassable" by Worcestershire County Council.
The authority said it was working with the Environment Agency, police, fire service and paramedics to evacuate more residents.The authority said it was working with the Environment Agency, police, fire service and paramedics to evacuate more residents.
"Although in some areas river levels are dropping, they are set to rise again over the next few hours, peaking during the evening," a spokesman said."Although in some areas river levels are dropping, they are set to rise again over the next few hours, peaking during the evening," a spokesman said.
"Major incidents" have been declared in both counties, the council said, adding that more flood barriers might be erected later."Major incidents" have been declared in both counties, the council said, adding that more flood barriers might be erected later.
In a tweet, Herefordshire Police said officers were carrying out emergency evacuations to a leisure centre.In a tweet, Herefordshire Police said officers were carrying out emergency evacuations to a leisure centre.
Telford & Wrekin Council said it would be distributing sandbags at 10:00 GMT. Families rescued from flooded Hereford properties could be seen disembarking from evacuation dinghies with their pets and belongings.
About five boats are at work ferrying people from their homes around Hinton Avenue and Hinton Crescent, BBC Hereford and Worcester reporter Andrew Marston said.
"Hinton Road and the adjoining Hinton Avenue are eerily quiet - we've got nothing but the police here. There are ambulances parked up and we've got doctors here," he said.
"We've also got Western Power Distribution looking after properties without electricity.
"The water is across both sides of the street, affecting properties."
Telford & Wrekin Council said it would be distributing sandbags.
The River Severn is expected to peak in Ironbridge on Tuesday, the authority said, adding that flood barriers were already in place across Wharfage.
Elsewhere, thousands of sandbags have been distributed in York where the River Ouse continues to rise, although the Environment Agency has said the situation in the city is an "improving one".Elsewhere, thousands of sandbags have been distributed in York where the River Ouse continues to rise, although the Environment Agency has said the situation in the city is an "improving one".
The Ouse had been expected to peak at 4.8m (nearly 16ft) above normal levels later on Monday, however, the latest prediction is for a peak of about 4.6m at lunchtime.The Ouse had been expected to peak at 4.8m (nearly 16ft) above normal levels later on Monday, however, the latest prediction is for a peak of about 4.6m at lunchtime.
That level is higher than during Storm Ciara, but significantly lower than the record high of 5.4m in November 2000.That level is higher than during Storm Ciara, but significantly lower than the record high of 5.4m in November 2000.
Craig McGarvey from the Environment Agency said the peak was well below the city's flood defences.Craig McGarvey from the Environment Agency said the peak was well below the city's flood defences.
He added: "It's a much improving situation and we haven't had as much rain as we were concerned about before the weekend."He added: "It's a much improving situation and we haven't had as much rain as we were concerned about before the weekend."
Lowdham, in Nottinghamshire, was one of the areas hardest hit in the East Midlands, with about 60 homes flooded.
Newark and Sherwood District Council said teams were out with three mechanical road sweepers clearing debris and silt.
"We will continue to assist with removing damaged goods from affected properties," the council said.
Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, and sign up for local news updates direct to your phone.Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, and sign up for local news updates direct to your phone.