Storm Bella sparks fears of more flooding in Northamptonshire from 8pm Boxing Day

Around 1,000 people have been told they are unlikely to be allowed back in their homes until Sunday after Christmas flooding hit Northamptonshire.

But emergency services fear river levels will rise again following the arrival of Storm Bella late on Boxing Day.

Forecasters say rain and strong winds are set to batter the county from around 8pm.

Environment Agency officials have 43 flood warnings and alerts in force in and around the county for areas close to the River Nene and Great Ouse.

Severe flood warnings remain for the areas around Billing — including nearby business parks.

Many roads also remain closed around the county while fire crews rescued one stranded motorist from the top of vehicle stuck in flood water near Oundle.

Northants Highways tweeted early on Boxing Day morning: "Some roads remain shut until we can sweep to ensure clear of mud and debris.

"Please remain cautious when driving. Crews on standby in preparation for the storm forecast for later.

Weather watchers @NNweather warned: "Storm Bella will impact the county later tonight into the early hours of Sunday morning.

"Winds will increase gusting 50-60mph widely with a risk of gusts 60-70mph for a short period. A spell of heavy rain will accompany the strong winds."

Around 1,000 people were evacuated as floodwater up to five feet deep inundated Billing Aquadrome and Cogenhoe Mill caravan park on Christmas Eve.

Teams of firefighters and trained rescuers in boats plucked around 250 of the residents who became trapped.

Around 100 who could not find somewhere to stay with friends and family were taken to Lings Forum and then a nearby hotel — and had their Christmas Day dinner provided by a local charity group.

The latest updates from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue said: "We have stood down from “major incident” status but Billing Aquadrome and Cogenhoe Mill remain closed with the situation to be reviewed on Sunday.

"Northants Fire and trained volunteers from Northants Search and Rescue have rescued 250 people from the sites which remains under a considerable amount of water in the past 24 hours.

"Most were able to find overnight accommodation with friends and family, with those affected given special dispensation in relation to Covid-19 restrictions.

"About 100 people were processed at Lings Forum before being transferred to the Holiday Inn in Bedford Rd for the night

"But residents are urged to stay away from Billing Aquadrome until it is safe to return possibly later today..

Meals were delivered to those made temporarily homeless by Midland Langar Seva Society. One of those affected tweeted: "Thank you so much for looking after us."

■ To help the Northants Search and Rescue team replace and decontaminate equipment, a donation link is HERE.