Environment Agency warns of potential flooding in northern England this weekend
The Environment Agency is warning communities in northern England to prepare for flooding this weekend.
Environment Agency teams are out checking flood defences and clearing blockages
This news item is not being updated. Read Winter flooding 2015: community support for current information.
Heavy and persistent heavy rain is expected tonight (Friday) throughout Saturday and into Sunday morning.
The heaviest rain is expected to fall on saturated high ground in Cumbria and Northumberland. There is the potential risk of river and surface water flooding in these areas across a broad area of the north of England, though flood impacts are more likely across the highest ground.
The River Severn will also continue to rise today and over the weekend bringing flood risk for Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. The Environment Agency has deployed temporary defences in Shrewsbury, Ironbridge, and Bewdley throughout the week to protect properties from flooding.
Environment Agency teams are also checking and maintaining flood defences, clearing blockages in watercourses, monitoring water levels and will issue flood warnings where necessary. Pumps are also being moved to the areas where flooding is likely to be expected.
People can be prepared by checking their flood risk. If travelling the public should not attempt to drive through flood water – 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.
Jonathan Day, Environment Agency Flood Risk Manager, said:
River levels across northern England are already high and are expected to rise with this further heavy rainfall, bringing with them a significant risk of flooding that could cause major disruption to roads and travel. We are working closely with the emergency services and partners to prepare ahead of the weekend. Our teams are already in action clearing watercourses, maintaining existing defences and deploying temporary defences where these can be effective.
We urge people not drive through flood water: just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car. People should check their flood risk and keep up to date with the latest situation at or follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter for the latest flood updates.