We're warning of a continued risk of surface water and river flooding this weekend across south west, central and north west England and Wales.
Forecast for this weekend
Rain will return to all parts of the country on Saturday with the heaviest and most persistent rain in western England and parts of Wales. River flooding is likely with the possibility of significant disruption, particularly across Devon, North Somerset and Wales. This rain spreads north and east increasing flood risk in north east and north west England on Sunday. The picture remains unsettled for the start of next week.
Environment Agency working around the clock
Emergency teams from the Environment Agency have been working through the night to shore up defences, monitor river levels, clear blockages from watercourses and pump out flood water from towns.
Latest figures show that nearly 300 properties have flooded across the country since Tuesday and the Environment Agency has sent over 10,000 warnings to people at risk of flooding. Environment Agency flood defences have protected over 5,700 properties across England and Wales, including in Cheltenham, Teignmouth and Weston-Super-Mare.
Currently, there are 86 flood warnings and 170 flood alerts in place.
People urged to sign up to flood warnings
John Curtin, Head of Incident Management at the Environment Agency, said: “Flooding has a devastating impact on people, families and communities, and our thoughts are with those who have flooded this week.
“We would urge people to continue to be prepared for flooding, sign up for Environment Agency flood warnings, keep up to date with the latest situation, and stay away from dangerous flood water.
“Our teams have been out around the clock over the last few days to minimise the risks and prepare for flooding and we are continuing to deploy teams across the country to keep communities safe. Our defences have protected over 5,700 properties across England and Wales.”
An AA spokesperson said: “Stay out of flood water because it’s very difficult to gauge how deep it is and it often contains hidden hazards.”
Further information
Those in areas at risk should check the Environment Agency website for the latest information and sign up for free flood warnings on the Environment Agency’s website or by calling the Environment Agency Flood Line on 0845 988 1188.
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