Flood Risk: More Unsettled Weather Ahead

The Environment Agency is urging communities in England to check their flood risk and sign up to flood warnings with more unsettled weather expected from Boxing Day and into Friday.

While Christmas Day is looking dry for much of England, rivers remain high across parts of the country following wet weather in recent days, especially in in Kent, along the River Thames and lower parts of the River Severn, and in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Further rain on Thursday and Friday may also lead to localised flooding elsewhere across England.



The wetter than average autumn has also led to high groundwater levels in parts of southern England where there is ongoing localised groundwater flooding.

As of 12:30pm on Tuesday 24 December there are 43 flood warnings – meaning flooding is expected – and 114 flood alerts – meaning flooding is possible - in place across the country.

Carol Holt, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

"Following wet weather over the past week and with more rain forecast, there is a continued risk of flooding in large parts of England over the festive period. We continue to monitor rainfall and river levels closely and to operate our flood defences, reducing the risk of flooding to thousands of homes and businesses.

"Environment Agency crews are clearing drainage channels to keep rivers flowing and our flood information officers remain out on the ground in communities where there is a risk of flooding to help keep people safe. Our pumps also remain in place in Somerset where we are working to lower levels on the River Tone.

"Sadly around 100 properties have flooded since Thursday, but over 18,500 properties have been protected by flood defences across England.

"We advise people to sign up for flood warnings, stay away from swollen rivers and not drive through flood water - just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car."

The advice to stay safe during wet weather comes as the Environment Agency and the AA published research showing that three quarters of drivers (74%) would risk driving through flood water, despite it being the leading cause of death during a flood.

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.