Heavy rainfall last week has caused localized river and surface water flooding across central England, Yorkshire, and the North East, prompting ongoing flood warnings and alerts. As of Monday afternoon, the Environment Agency reported 41 flood warnings and 104 flood alerts in place.
The recent storms have affected approximately 850 properties, while an estimated 11,000 homes have been protected by flood defenses. The Environment Agency teams have been actively working on the ground, erecting flood barriers, clearing blockages, and assisting local authorities in their response efforts.
Stefan Laeger, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said, “The overall flood risk continues to reduce. Surface water flooding is possible today and into tomorrow morning, while we could also see continued minor river flooding impacts across parts of England.
Laeger urged the public to remain vigilant, check flood risks, and plan their journeys carefully. He emphasized the dangers of driving through floodwater, noting that just 30cm of flowing water can float a car.
Last week, Floods Minister Emma Hardy visited affected communities in Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard, while Environment Secretary Steve Reed received a briefing on the response efforts in Northamptonshire.
Minister Hardy expressed her sympathy for those affected and praised the work of the Environment Agency and its partners. She said, “This government is working hard to accelerate the building of flood defenses and boost our emergency response through our Floods Resilience Taskforce.
Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to remain cautious and follow local authorities’ guidance. The Environment Agency continues to monitor the situation closely and work to protect communities from further flood impacts.
