The Environment Agency is asking people in the South West of England and most of Wales to remain vigilant and prepared for flooding today, after the Met Office forecast widespread heavy rainfall this afternoon and into the evening.
The rain may lead to some surface water flooding in the South West of England and Wales this evening and on Friday morning, especially in uplands and areas that are already vulnerable to flooding after heavy rain earlier this week.
On Friday morning the heavy rainfall is expected to spread into central and north eastern England with heavy showers to follow on through Friday and Saturday.
The Environment Agency has mobilised teams across the country to check on flood defences, clear any river blockages and closely monitor river levels. These teams have been working around the clock to reduce the risk of flooding, and will be out in force again over the coming days. Following flooding earlier this week, the Environment Agency has deployed pumping equipment in Felpham, Bognor Regis and around the Manhood Peninsula to pump out flood waters from the worst affected areas.
The Environment Agency currently has two flood warnings (meaning that flooding is expected) for rivers in place. There are also 12 flood alerts for rivers across England and Wales, meaning that flooding is possible.
This week the Environment Agency has issued flood warnings to over 32,500 properties, while its flood defences have protected around 17,000 properties.
The Environment Agency urged the public to remain vigilant and check its website and Twitter feed for the latest updates and flood warnings. It also advised the public to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through floodwater.
