A yellow cold weather alert has been activated across England, commencing at 09.00 today and slated to persist throughout most of the upcoming week. This alert compounds the challenges faced by communities still grappling with the aftermath of Storm Henk, which unleashed heavy rainfall, inundating homes, and almost isolating various areas.
As of 5am on Saturday, the Environment Agency issued 244 flood warnings, indicating imminent flooding, and 262 flood alerts, signalling potential flooding, across England and Wales. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) cautioned that a “brisk easterly wind” sweeping across the south this weekend will intensify the cold, making temperatures feel significantly lower. The UKHSA also highlighted the likelihood of ice formation due to the saturated ground in many regions.
Wet conditions persist, with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue reporting a man falling into a river in Sheffield on Friday night. No update on the individual’s condition was provided.
The Environment Agency underscored the risk of flooding in the southwest along the River Avon and other parts of England over the next five days due to thoroughly saturated ground.
In addition to the flood warnings in England, two warnings are active in Wales, specifically along the River Wye at Monmouth and the River Ritec at Tenby.
The toll of heavy rainfall, notably associated with Storm Henk, has already devastated hundreds of homes over the past week. Labour has accused the government of being “asleep at the wheel” regarding flood warnings and called for an urgent “Cobra-style task-force” to protect homes from further damage. Environment Secretary Steve Barclay is receiving updates from the Environment Agency, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is urged to visit flood-hit areas, assuring victims that the Environment Agency is responding appropriately and swiftly.
