The Environment Agency continues to call on the public to remain vigilant to the risk of significant flooding as a further band of rain is expected to hit Britain later today.
Current forecasts show conditions are expected to remain unsettled, with further impacts expected across the country. A Met Office yellow rain warning continues to be in place for parts of South West England today (Monday), with 107 flood warnings and 197 flood alerts in place across the country.
Multiple groundwater flood warnings are now in force in Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire. Groundwater responds slowly and may continue to cause prolonged disruption.
Pumps have been brought online by Environment Agency teams in locations across the Somerset Levels and Moors and continue to run, reducing the impacts of flooding and helping to stabilise water levels. Our local staff continue their work on the ground and are regularly meeting with residents to answer their questions.
Water levels remain very high in Dorset and Wiltshire and the Environment Agency continues to work with the council, water company and emergency responders in response to flooding. Local residents are urged to avoid driving through floodwater.
EA teams have been mobilised across the country to check on other flood defences, clear any river blockages and closely monitor river levels. They have been working around the clock to reduce the risk of flooding and will continue to be out in force over the coming days.
At this time, we estimate at least 300 properties have been recorded as flooded and approximately 16000 have been protected by defences. These numbers are subject to change as our teams continue to verify the impacts on the ground.
Andrew Hitchings, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:
With another band of rain on its way, we need the public to remain vigilant to the risk of flooding.
As well as significant groundwater remaining likely in parts of Dorset and Wiltshire, there are risks of significant river flooding impacts on the Somerset Levels, with minor river flooding impacts expected in parts of the East Midlands and probable in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.
So far more 16000 homes and business have been protected but sadly 300 have suffered flooding and our thoughts are with those communities affected. Our teams will continue to do all they can to support local people, with pumps, temporary barriers and by clearing waterways to ensure flood water can drain away.
It is extremely dangerous to drive through flood water – we urge drivers not to do so.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:
Flooding is devastating and my thoughts are with the people affected, and with another band of rain on the way I urge residents to follow local advice over the next few days to ensure they stay safe.
I am in regular contact with the Environment Agency on their response to the ongoing flooding who, alongside local authorities and the emergency services, are already taking action to keep communities safe.
To protect homes and businesses from future flooding situations, this government is investing a record £10.5 billion to protect a further 900,000 properties by 2036. This is alongside reprioritising over £100 million to maintain existing flood assets.
We will continue to monitor the situation and will review plans as the forecasts are updated.
As rainfall levels start to ease, some rivers, moors and levels will respond slowly to previous rainfall and therefore may continue to rise.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up to Get flood warnings by text, phone or email. People can also call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
Check for flooding – GOV.UK.
