Brits urged to stay vigilant as 77 flood warnings in place and main incident declared
The Environment Agency has urged people to remain vigilant to the risk of flooding from Storm Chandra, with 63 properties flooded and further downpours expected on Thursday and Friday
Warnings are in place(Image: PA Graphics/Press Association Images)
The Environment Agency has urged the public to stay alert to flooding risks as additional yellow rain warnings are set to take effect due to Storm Chandra. Meteorological conditions are expected to remain turbulent throughout Thursday and Friday, with Met Office alerts active for south west England on both days, and Northern Ireland facing warnings on Friday.
Rainfall will be hitting ground that’s already waterlogged, sparking fears of additional flooding incidents. Approximately 63 properties throughout England have suffered flood damage, whilst nearly 10,900 have been safeguarded through Environment Agency interventions, according to a spokesperson.
Somerset declared a major incident on Tuesday following Storm Chandra’s devastating impact on local roads and homes.
Hampshire Police confirmed that a lorry driver in his 60s tragically lost his life after his vehicle plunged into a river at North Gorley on Tuesday. Wednesday saw the issuing of a severe flood warning for the Lower Stour at Iford Bridge Home Park, with residents instructed to evacuate their homes “as soon as possible”.
Chris Wilding, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, stated: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by Storm Chandra, including those whose homes and businesses have sadly been flooded. Significant river flooding impacts are probable in parts of the south west of England today. Further flooding impacts are also expected for parts of England on Thursday and into early Friday morning.
“Environment Agency teams are out on the ground, including in Somerset, to reduce the impact of flooding and support those communities affected. We urge people not to drive though flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.”
Floods minister Emma Hardy said: “Flooding is devastating and my thoughts are with the people affected. I am in regular contact with the Environment Agency on their response to the ongoing flooding in Somerset and Dorset who, alongside local authorities and the emergency services, are already taking action to keep communities safe.
“I urge residents to follow local advice over the next few days to ensure they stay safe. To protect homes and businesses from future flooding situations, this government is investing a record £10.5 billion to protect a further 900,000 properties by 2036.
“This is alongside reprioritising over £100 million to maintain existing flood assets.”
The Environment Agency revealed that crews were deployed across affected areas, activating pumps to clear floodwater once river levels permitted, with ultra high-volume pumps being utilised at Northmoor and Saltmoor on the Somerset Levels.
Lesley and John Parker, residents of the neighbouring village of Burrowbridge, have put up flood barriers around their property in a bid to keep the water at bay. However, they’re worried that flood water will “come up straight through the floor”, describing the situation as the worst they’ve experienced since their home was ravaged by flooding in 2014.
Mrs Parker shared with the Press Association: “We’ve had a few scares, but this is probably the scariest, and I was told on Monday I would be underwater today. There’s a lot more to come.”
Water levels were predicted to reach a peak of 3.66m on Wednesday afternoon.
Rail services across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset are also facing significant delays due to widespread flooding. On Wednesday afternoon, England was bracing itself with 77 flood warnings in effect, where flooding is anticipated, alongside 190 flood alerts where deluges remain possible.
Wales had five flood alerts active, whilst Scotland faced four flood warnings and three flood alerts.
The Met Office revealed that a swathe of rain would sweep across Cornwall on Thursday afternoon, before tracking northeast through southwest England and clearing by early Friday.
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