Environment Agency Working Day And Night To Reduce Flood Impact

The Environment Agency is urging people to sign up to flood warnings and to check the latest safety advice

The Environment Agency is warning communities to stay vigilant while flood risk continues for the next few days in parts of England, with ongoing flooding expected in some areas due to recent extreme weather and some further flooding possible as more rain is expected.

Both the heavy rainfall of recent days and Storm Bella have now passed, although river levels in some areas remain high as water makes its way through catchments.

As of 4.00pm, on Sunday 27 December there are 110 flood warnings, meaning that flooding is expected; and 199 flood alerts, meaning that flooding is possible, in places across the country.

Across England, approximately, 9,000 properties have been protected by Environment Agency flood defences, with Environment Agency teams also out on the ground today deploying defences, operating pumps and working with the emergency services and partners to reduce the risk for communities across the country. This activity will continue over the coming days to keep people safe as we move towards the new year.

Neil Davies, the Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

"Heavy and persistent rainfall in recent days has led to surface water and river flooding in some communities particularly in central and east England, including around the Great Ouse in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire yesterday.

"The flood risk will remain in impacted areas over the next few days as river levels are still high.

"Our thoughts are with those affected. Environment Agency teams are working 24/7 alongside the emergency services and local partners to check and operate defences and support those who have been flooded, reduce the risk of further flooding and keep communities safe through the festive period.

"We urge people to keep away from swollen rivers and flooded land and not to drive through flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.   

"People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation at via Gov.uk or follow @EnvAgency on Twitter for the latest flood updates.

"The public can check their flood risk and keep up to date with the latest situation, or by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or following @EnvAgency on Twitter."