Environment Agency focuses on recovery but is prepared for more rain over the weekend
Communities are warned to expect more rain over the weekend.
Environment Agency staff clearing river debris
Read Winter flooding 2015: community support for advice and current information.
The Environment Agency is warning communities that more rain is expected across the north of England through the weekend and, as the ground is saturated in many areas and river levels are still high, there is an ongoing flood risk.
Environment Agency teams are out in communities, taking action with local authorities, checking and maintaining flood defences, clearing trash screens and blockages in rivers, and monitoring water levels.
Environment Agency pumps are still being used in parts of Yorkshire and Lancashire to pump away flood water. Demountable flood barriers remain in place on the River Severn at Bewdley. The £26 million Morpeth flood alleviation scheme in Northumberland has been operated for the first time since its completion in August 2015, protecting more than 600 properties.
Communities are asked to remain vigilant and to check flood warnings. As of 13:00 on 7 January there are 24 flood warnings and 157 alerts in place across England. Flood warnings are updated on the Environment Agency website every 15 minutes. There are no severe warnings in place.
Clare Dinnis, Flood Risk Manager at the Environment Agency, said:
“The floods over the last month have been terrible for so many people and our thoughts go out to everyone who has been affected. Our focus is now on recovery, but after the wettest ever month on record, the ground is saturated and river levels are high, so people must remain vigilant as even normal levels of rain can cause a flood risk.
“We are supporting local authorities and advise all local residents to stay away from swollen rivers and flood water. We urge people not to drive through flood water: just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.
Communities affected by flooding can find advice by checking flood warnings and river levels, calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188 and on social media using #floodaware or follow @EnvAgency on Twitter.