Three years have passed since Storm Babet brought some of the worst flooding seen in Suffolk in recent memory, leaving homes submerged, roads impassable and communities facing a lengthy recovery.
Now that Storm Austen is due to impact the UK this week on the anniversary of Storm Babet, we have had a look back at the devastation left behind.
The storm struck the county in October 2023, unleashing torrential rain that overwhelmed drainage systems and watercourses.
At least 200 homes were left uninhabitable, while Suffolk County Council responded to 172 emergency reports and pumped 2.5 million litres of water from roads during the crisis.
Among the worst-hit places were Framlingham, Needham Market, Wickham Market and Debenham.
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Devastation caused by Storm Babet in town and village revealed in flood reports
In Framlingham alone, more than 100 residential and commercial properties were flooded, while around 45 properties in Needham Market suffered damage.
Flood investigation reports later revealed the scale of the devastation in Needham Market and Wickham Market, where an estimated 85 properties were affected.
Some residents remained out of their homes months after the floodwaters receded.
Recommendations included improving drainage capacity and introducing natural flood management measures to reduce future risks.
The legacy of Storm Babet is still being felt today.
Since the storm, investment has been made in drainage improvements, ditch maintenance and flood resilience schemes, while calls have been made for additional government funding to help deliver further protection projects.
Three years on, Storm Babet remains a defining weather event for Suffolk, serving as a reminder of the devastating impact extreme rainfall can have on communities across the county.
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