Communities across the country are being urged to stay prepared for flooding in the coming days, even though the weather forecast is improving and the risk of significant flooding is much reduced.
Large rivers such as the Thames, Trent and Severn are still rising or remain at very high levels, and teams from the Environment Agency continue to work around the clock to shore up defences, monitor river levels and clear blockages from watercourses.
People who live along these rivers should keep up to date with the latest situation from the Environment Agency website, and sign up to free flood warnings.
In North Wales, where the level of the River Elwy is falling from its highest ever level, the Environment Agency has deployed pumps at St Asaph and the surrounding areas to pump out flood water.
Mobile flood defences deployed
The River Thames has reached its peak in the Oxford area but is still rising downstream towards Reading. The Environment Agency deployed mobile defences in Oxford and at Osney Island, protecting around 70 properties from flooding. Mobile defences were also deployed at Shrewsbury and Bewdley on the river Severn.
In East Newark, Nottinghamshire, Environment Agency staff are pumping water from the Trent, in order to protect 20 properties.
Rainfall on the North York Moors has caused rivers to rise and more rain is expected in this area today. This could pose a risk of further property flooding and the Environment Agency closely monitoring the situation.
Latest figures show that approximately 1,100 properties have flooded since Wednesday, while flood defences have protected more than 52,000 homes. Over 106,000 properties have been sent a flood warning.
John Curtin, Head of Incident Management at the Environment Agency, said: 'Our thoughts remain with those that have been affected by flooding. Rainfall is set to ease over the next days but there are still areas we are closely monitoring and we urge people to remain especially vigilant, and keep up to date with the latest flood warnings.
'With so much standing water around, we would also remind people to stay out of flood water and not attempt to walk or drive through it.'
Sign up for free flood warnings
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.
The Environment Agency in action
