Flood threat remains into Christmas Eve for South West England

23-Dec-2012

Communities across South West England are urged to remain vigilant as further heavy rainfall is expected this evening and into tomorrow with the Met Office forecasting a further 10mm of rain overnight for parts of Devon and Cornwall.

Heightened flood risk remains across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset throughout today (Sunday) and into tomorrow (Monday). One Severe Flood Warning remains in place in Helston, Cornwall.

Latest figures show that around 400 properties have flooded since Wednesday and the Environment Agency has sent over 110,000 warnings to people at risk of flooding. Flood defences have protected more than 20,000 properties across England and Wales, including 4,000 properties in Cornwall.

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.

Slower responding rivers in the South East, Midlands and North East will continue to rise over the next few days.

More flooding to come

Paul Mustow, Head of Flood Incident Management at the Environment Agency, said: “Floods have a devastating impact on peoples’ lives, particularly at this time of year, and our thoughts are with those that have been affected.

“We are expecting more flooding overnight into tomorrow and communities across South West England are urged to remain especially vigilant.

“Environment Agency flood defences have protected more than 20,000 homes and our teams are continuing to work around the clock with local emergency services to keep communities safe.

“If you’re going away for the Christmas holidays, give yourself extra time to make your journey, check your route before travelling and avoid driving through flood water.”

Christmas travel disruption

Andy Page, Met Office Chief Forecaster, said: "There will be some drier weather through central parts of the UK today but more rain is forecast to spread from the South West tonight and tomorrow. This will give 10 to 20 mm of rain quite widely across parts of southern Britain but South West England may see a further 30mm.

"It’s important that people keep weather aware by staying up to date with Met Office forecasts and Environment Agency Flood Warnings during this period of unsettled weather, especially as they make their way to friends and family for the Christmas period. We'd advise people in the areas affected to expect some disruption to travel and take precautions if they are in an area at risk from heavy rain and flooding.”

People should keep up-to-date with the latest information, and sign up for free flood warnings, on our website: