Over 130 flood warnings have been issued across England in the past 24 hours, with the greatest numbers in the North of England and the East and West Midlands, as Storm Babet brings continued heavy rain.
Persistent and heavy rainfall from Storm Babet means that severe river flooding impacts are possible in the North of England and the East Midlands are possible on Friday and Saturday. Significant flooding impacts from rivers and surface water are probable across these areas.
More flood warnings are expected to be issued across these regions in the next 24 hours. People are being urged to prepare for the risk of significant flooding for the rest of this week. The public should sign up to flood warnings and check the latest safety advice as heavy downpours are likely to fall on saturated ground.
The Environment Agency is working round the clock with its partners to help reduce the risk. Teams are operating flood defences, flood storage reservoirs and putting up temporary barriers where needed to help protect communities.
As of 12.40pm on Friday 20 October there are 134 flood warnings, meaning that flooding is expected, and 187 flood alerts, meaning that flooding is possible.
There are currently no severe flood warnings, which indicate that flooding poses a significant risk to life or significant disruption to communities.
Katharine Smith, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said:
Persistent and heavy rain brought by a combination of Storm Babet and following weather systems means significant river flooding is possible, and localised surface water flooding probable across many parts of the north of England and East Midlands today and into Saturday. Further flooding is expected from Saturday into Sunday in parts of the Midlands.
Environment Agency teams are out on the ground and have operated flood barriers and storage areas. Temporary defences, including pumps and barriers, are lined up ready to minimise the impact of flooding where needed. Flood gates have also been closed in affected areas. We also advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and urge people not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.
People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation at https://www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-at-risk-of-flooding and follow
