The Environment Agency continues to call on the public to remain vigilant to the risk of significant flooding in the wake of Storm Chandra.
Current forecasts show conditions are expected to remain unsettled, with further impacts expected across the country. Met Office yellow rain warnings are in place overnight and into tomorrow across parts of England.
Additional pumps have been brought online by Environment Agency teams in locations across the Somerset Levels and Moors and continue to run, reducing the impacts of flooding and helping to stabilise water levels. Staff continue to work on the ground and are regularly meeting with residents to answer their questions.
Water levels remain very high in Dorset and Wiltshire and the Environment Agency continues to work with the council, water company and emergency responders in response to flooding. Local residents are urged to avoid driving through floodwater.
EA teams have been mobilised across the country to check on other flood defences, clear any river blockages and closely monitor river levels. They have been working around the clock to reduce the risk of flooding, and will continue to be out in force over the coming days.
At this time, we estimate 238 properties have been recorded as flooded and over 16,200 have been protected by defences. These numbers are subject to change as our teams continue to verify the impacts on the ground.
Joe Cuthbertson, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:
Our thoughts are with all those affected by the ongoing impacts of Storm Chandra, including those whose homes and businesses have sadly been flooded.
Significant groundwater flooding impacts are probable in parts of Dorset and Wiltshire, with minor impacts possible in Hampshire.
Significant river and surface water impacts are possible in the south of England today and on Tuesday, with minor impacts possible more widely. Significant inland impacts are possible but not expected in the Somerset Levels from today.
Environment Agency teams are out on the ground, including in Somerset, to reduce the impact of flooding and support those communities affected. We urge people not to drive though flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.
As the weather remains unsettled this week, the Environment Agency remains ready to respond to any risk posed by flooding.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:
Flooding is devastating and my thoughts are with the people affected.
I am in regular contact with the Environment Agency on their response to the ongoing flooding who, alongside local authorities and the emergency services, are already taking action to keep communities safe.
I urge residents to follow local advice over the next few days to ensure they stay safe.
To protect homes and businesses from future flooding situations, this government is investing a record £10.5 billion to protect a further 900,000 properties by 2036. This is alongside reprioritising over £100 million to maintain existing flood assets.
We will continue to monitor the situation and will review plans as the forecasts are updated. Multiple groundwater flood warnings are now in force in Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire.
As rainfall levels start to ease, some rivers, moors and levels will respond slowly to previous rainfall and therefore may continue to rise.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up to Get flood warnings by text, phone or email. People can also call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.