As relentless rainfall continues to plague parts of England, the Environment Agency has issued a stern warning to residents to remain vigilant about the persistent risk of flooding. More than 150 flood warnings are currently in effect across various regions of the country.
The prolonged period of wet weather coupled with intense rainfall has left parts of the Midlands, Lincolnshire, and the River Thames vulnerable to significant flooding. In particular, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire have witnessed elevated river levels over the past 24 hours, while areas in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire continue to grapple with inundation, according to the Environment Agency’s assessment.
Presently, there are 167 flood warnings and 175 flood alerts in place throughout England. While the threat level is expected to gradually diminish, the lingering impact of recent and predicted rainfall could still pose risks across much of the country over the next five days. Some larger rivers are anticipated to react slowly to the continued precipitation, prolonging the risk of flooding.
Katharine Smith, the Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, emphasized the importance of public awareness and preparedness in the face of these ongoing challenges. She urged individuals to assess their flood risk and cautioned against driving through floodwater. Instead, she advised the public to heed the guidance provided by local emergency services when navigating flood-prone areas.
Smith stated, “Significant river flooding impacts are still expected today and over the next few days across parts of the river Thames in Oxfordshire as well as the River Trent near Nottingham and the River Severn including Gloucester. The prolonged wet weather and intense rainfall has led to flooding impacts and our thoughts are with all of those affected.
To mitigate the impact of the flooding, Environment Agency teams are actively working on the ground, employing measures such as operating flood defences and clearing watercourses. These efforts have already protected over 62,000 properties in recent days.
In light of the ongoing situation, the Environment Agency continues to urge people to monitor their flood risk, register for free flood warnings, and stay updated with the latest developments. Citizens are encouraged to follow the agency’s updates on social media, particularly on Twitter (@EnvAgency), for the most current flood information.
Residents concerned about flood warnings in their area can conveniently check the Environment Agency’s live map on its website. By entering their town, city, or postcode, they can access accurate and up-to-date flood warnings and alerts to help them prepare and safeguard their homes and belongings.
As the situation persists, the Environment Agency remains committed to keeping the public informed and safe during these challenging weather conditions, ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to mitigate the impact of flooding on affected communities.
