More wet weather this weekend brings ongoing risk of flooding in UK | WPN World People News

UK Environment Agency teams are out in communities checking and maintaining flood defences, clearing trash screens and blockages in rivers, monitoring water levels and working with local authorities.

As part of ongoing recovery efforts, Environment Agency pumps continue to be used in parts of Yorkshire and Lancashire to pump away flood water. With more rain expected, demountable flood barriers remain in place on the River Severn at Bewdley and Shrewsbury.

With the ground still saturated and river levels remaining high in many areas, communities are asked to remain vigilant and to check flood warnings. As of 5pm on 9 January there are 22 flood warnings and 136 alerts in place across England. Flood warnings are updated on the Environment Agency website every 15 minutes. There are no severe warnings in place.

Clare Dinnis, Flood Risk Manager at UK Environment Agency, said:

“Our focus is on offering ongoing support to those communities that are still dealing with the terrible impacts of flooding as we continue with our recovery and repair work.

“Widespread heavy showers bring a risk of flooding from rivers and surface water across large parts of the country. December 2015 was the wettest calendar month in the UK since 1910 meaning many of these showers are falling on saturated ground and full rivers. We urge people to remain vigilant and check flood alerts and warnings online.

“We are supporting local authorities and advise all local residents to stay away from swollen rivers and flood water. We urge people not to drive through flood water: just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.”

Source: UK Environment Agency