Heavy rainfall is forecast over the next 24 hours, with significant river and surface water flooding expected across central England. Areas such as Northamptonshire,
Cambridgeshire, Worcestershire, Bedfordshire, and Gloucestershire are likely to be impacted, while minor flooding is also possible in parts of southern and northern England. River flooding may occur in north-east England by Friday.
As of 1 pm on Thursday, there were 27 flood warnings (indicating flooding is expected) and 73 flood alerts (indicating flooding is possible). Earlier this week, heavy rain and thunderstorms caused flooding in approximately 385 properties across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Kent, and the Home Counties.
In response to the ongoing threat of more rainfall, Environment Agency teams are actively working on the ground to erect flood defences, clear blockages, and assist local authorities with their efforts.
The public is urged to stay vigilant, monitor the weather, and check their flood risk, especially when planning travel routes.
Kate Marks, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:
“Heavy rainfall across the country means that significant river and surface water flooding impacts are possible in parts of central England today and into Friday. Minor river flooding impacts are also possible in parts of north-east England today and Friday.
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.
People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation as well as following @EnvAgency on X for the latest flood updates”.
She also encouraged the public to check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings, and stay updated through the Environment Agency's social media channels, such as @EnvAgency on X (formerly Twitter).
The Flooding Minister visited communities in Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard today to assess the impacts from earlier this week. On Wednesday, the Environment Secretary visited Northamptonshire for a briefing on local responses and measures taken to protect affected communities. Photo by Sebastian Heider, Wikimedia commons.