Heavy rainfall is forecast across the UK over the next 24 hours, making significant river and surface water flooding possible across central England.
Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Worcestershire, Bedfordshire, and Gloucestershire, amongst others, are likely to be affected by surface water flooding.
Minor impacts are expected in other parts of Southern England and the North, and river flooding is also possible on Friday in the north-east of England.
On Thursday, 27 flood warnings indicated that flooding was expected, and 73 flood alerts indicated that flooding was possible.
Defences against surface water flooding
Heavy rain and thunderstorms earlier in the week caused surface water flooding in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Kent, and the Home Counties, affecting around 385 properties.
With further rain coming, Environment Agency teams are out on the ground putting up flood defences, clearing blockages and supporting local authorities in their response work.
The UK Government has urged people to monitor the weather, check their flood risk, and plan their journeys carefully.
Kate Marks, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Environment Agency teams continue to be out on the ground, supporting local authorities in responding to surface water flooding.’
“We urge people to plan their journeys carefully, follow the advice of local emergency services on the roads, and not to drive through flood water – it is often deeper than it looks, and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.”
Government support for affected communities
The Flooding Minister visited communities in Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard today to learn more about the impacts of earlier this week.
Furthermore, the Environment Secretary visited Northamptonshire on Wednesday to receive a briefing on their response and the actions taken to protect communities locally.
“I met with those involved in the response on the ground, including representatives from the Environment Agency and its partners, and I want to express my heartfelt thanks for the vital work they have undertaken to help protect their communities,” explained Flood Minister Emma Hardy.
“This government is working hard to accelerate the building of flood defences and boost our emergency response through our Floods Resilience Taskforce.”
