Environment Agency urges communities to stay vigilant

The Environment Agency is urging communities in England to check their flood risk and sign up to flood warnings as minor river and surface water flooding impacts are possible across parts of England today (26 December) and into Friday.

The weather outlook is improving, however groundwater levels continue to rise after recent rainfall meaning that a risk of minor localised groundwater flooding impacts remains in the south of England and in North Lincolnshire, although any impacts are expected to be minimal.

As of 2.30pm on Thursday 26 December there are 30 flood warnings – meaning flooding is expected – and 88 flood alerts – meaning flooding is possible – in place across the country.

Clare Dinnis, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

While the weather outlook is improving, groundwater levels continue to rise after recent rainfall meaning that there is a continued risk of groundwater flooding in parts of southern England over the next few days.

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 and helping to keep people safe. Our pumps also remain in place in Somerset where our focus is on reducing levels of water on Currymoor.

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.