The Environment Agency warns that a significant flood risk remains for the next few days in parts of England, with ongoing flooding expected due to the recent extreme weather and further rainfall on the way. England has now received over 200% of its average February rainfall with some areas experiencing a month’s worth of rain in 24 hours.
Severe river flooding is expected today and tomorrow on the River Severn. Due to record-breaking river levels along the Severn, potential overtopping of defences remains of high concern in Ironbridge and Bewdley. EA staff are on the ground bolstering defences and working closely with emergency services to keep people safe. Ongoing significant flooding is possible along the Severn through to Friday as river levels will remain exceptionally high.
On the rivers Wye, Ouse and Trent significant river flooding is possible. Further localised flooding is possible in parts of England later this week and into weekend due to further heavy rainfall expected on Friday. Groundwater levels across parts of Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Sussex are continuing to rise and will lead to further flooding later this week.
As of 12:30 pm on Tuesday 25 February there are two severe flood warnings for Ironbridge and Shrewsbury, meaning there is an immediate risk to life; 106 flood warnings, meaning that flooding is expected; and 155 flood alerts, meaning that flooding is possible, in places across the country.
The Environment Agency is urging people to check their flood risk and remain prepared to take action as the situation changes.
River levels have exceeded existing records across the country this winter with a further 100 of the Environment Agency’s river gauges surpassing all time readings this decade. The Rivers Colne, Ribble, Calder, Aire, Trent, Severn, Wye, Lugg and Derwent are among the many rivers where records have been broken due to continuous wet weather.
Since the start of Storm Dennis, up to 1,000 Environment Agency staff per day have been mobilised on the ground to issue flood warnings, operate flood defences and temporary pumps, clear debris from rivers, inspect damaged flood defences and make repairs. Community information officers are also out supporting affected communities offering advice and assistance.
Environment Agency operational teams have put up more than 6km of temporary flood barriers across the country and flood defences have protected over 33,700 properties from flooding over the last week.
Caroline Douglass, Director of Incident Management at the Environment Agency, said:
Our thoughts are with all who have been and continue to be affected by the persistent and extreme weather. It is devastating to see your home or business flooded, and as the case is for some, be asked to evacuate.
River levels remain exceptionally high and communities along the river Severn – in particular Shrewsbury, Bewdley, Bridgnorth and Ironbridge should be ready for potentially severe flooding. River levels are also of concern on the lower river Ouse at Cawood. We urge people to stay up to date and listen to the advice of emergency services. EA staff are on the ground giving advice and issuing flood warnings.
We are in our fourth week of exceptional river levels and stormy weather; with the effects of climate change, we need to prepare for more frequent periods of extreme weather like this. People need to be aware of their flood risk, sign up to flood warnings, make a flood plan and not to drive or walk through flood water.
The public can keep up to date with the latest safety advice, call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or follow @EnvAgency on Twitter for the latest flood updates.
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