Environment Agency warns communities along Severn and Wye estuaries to prepare for flooding from Storm Eunice

• Risk of flooding to homes and businesses along the estuaries from Avonmouth to Gloucester
• Residents urged to take action to prepare for flooding

The Environment Agency is urging people living in flood risk communities in the Severn and Wye estuaries to prepare for flooding from a forecast tidal surge caused by Storm Eunice this Friday.

The tidal surge is possible Friday morning, and the Environment Agency is urging people to take steps to protect themselves and their property from the risk of flooding.

Flooding is possible from Avonmouth and up the Severn into Gloucestershire and along the Wye from Chepstow to Monmouth.

Residents are urged to sign up to Environment Agency Flood Warning messages and to make sure they are prepared for flooding by following the ‘Prepare, Act, Survive’ guidance:

• prepare a bag that includes medical and insurance documents
• check the latest flood situation online https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings
• know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water
• check your insurance to make sure you are covered for flood damage. If you rent your home, it is your responsibility to have insurance for your belongings.
• if you are flooded, call 999 if in immediate danger and follow advice from emergency services

Gary Bywater Area Incident Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

Strong winds from Storm Eunice could cause a storm surge and large waves, bringing a risk of flooding to homes and businesses along Severn and Wye estuaries.

We’re seeking to give early warning to communities to prepare. We will issue flood warnings if necessary and we have teams out on the ground taking action to reduce the impact of any possible flooding.

You can check your flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation at https://www.gov.uk/check-flood-risk, call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or follow @EnvAgency on Twitter for the latest flood updates.

A Met Office weather warning is in place for Storm Eunice, so people should take extreme care near the estuary and any coastal areas. We urge people to stay safe and warn wave watchers against the unnecessary danger of taking ‘storm selfies’.