The Environment Agency continues to monitor and respond to the impacts of the January flooding in England following the prolonged wet weather and intense rainfall and advises the public to remain cautious.
Significant river flooding in England is expected to continue today along parts of the River Trent, with minor impacts expected along the River Thames until Wednesday.
Minor impacts are also probable along the River Trent and River Severn for the next three days.
Minor groundwater flooding is expected across parts of Dorset, Wiltshire, and Hampshire and is possible more widely across parts of the south of the country and in Yorkshire and the Humber throughout the next five days.
January flooding in England has reached new heights
As of 10:38 am on Monday 8 January, 149 flood warnings and 149 flood alerts were in place.
Environment Agency teams are out on the ground with other emergency responders, operating temporary pumps, barriers and flood defences to help reduce the impacts of this intense January flooding.
So far, nearly 75,000 properties have been protected from flooding in the last few days; however, around 2,000 properties have unfortunately flooded.
While the risks are reducing, ongoing impacts will likely continue across England over the next few days as some larger rivers respond slowly to the recent rain. Many rivers are elevated and will remain so for several days.
Government advice for navigating the floods
The message to the public remains to check their flood risk, sign up for free flooding in England warnings, and keep up to date with the latest situation.
Many rivers in England are still at high levels.
Stay away from swollen rivers and river banks, and don't take unnecessary risks.
Check your flood risk before travelling: https://t.co/fEmOrgjEkn pic.twitter.com/WZnQDlSTWO
— Environment Agency (@EnvAgency) January 7, 2024
Anyone driving is urged not to go through flood water and to follow the advice of local emergency services on the roads.
Dr Kate Marks, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, advised: “The prolonged wet weather and heavy rainfall has led to intense flooding in England and our thoughts are with all those affected.
“Environment Agency teams are out on the ground, working to minimise the impacts of flooding where possible by operating flood defences and clearing watercourses. So far, nearly 75,000 properties have been protected in the last few days.
“We urge people not to drive through floodwater and to follow the advice of local emergency services on the roads – floodwater is often deeper than it looks, and just 30cm is enough to float your car.
She concluded: People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation.”
Residents in England can sign up for flood warnings here.
