More rain forecast in the North of England
The Environment Agency is urging communities in northern England to remain vigilant as recovery from the exceptional floods continues.
This news item is not being updated. Read Winter flooding 2015: community support for current information.
The Environment Agency is urging communities in northern England to remain vigilant as recovery from the exceptional floods continues. On Wednesday into Thursday morning, a band of rain brings the potential for further disruption across Cumbria, as well as parts of Lancashire and North Yorkshire. Rivers are not expected to return to levels observed last weekend.
As of 14:00, there is 1 severe flood warning, at St Michaels in Lancashire, 6 flood warnings and 22 flood alerts. Environment Agency staff are working to support communities that have been affected by flooding. Our staff are out and about in communities such as Carlisle, Keswick, Kendal, Cockermouth, and Appleby taking action with local partners, including the emergency services and local authorities.
For two days, the Environment Agency and Fire and Rescue Service have been pumping flood water back into rivers as fast as river levels allow. The new flood defences in Carlisle have worked to aid recovery, with sluice gates being used to drain flood water away quickly and safely. In Appleby, a temporary sandbag defence has been constructed to reinforce flood defences, protecting 159 properties in the Chapel Street area.
Chris Wilding, Environment Agency Flood Risk Manager, said: “Our thoughts are with everyone that has been flooded. The response of the communities that have been flooded has been hugely inspiring. Environment Agency staff remain out and about in communities and taking action with local partners, including the emergency services and local authorities. Teams are checking and maintaining flood defences, clearing blockages in rivers, monitoring water levels and working with local flood wardens in the areas worst affected.
“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 https://www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-at-risk-of-flooding or follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter for the latest flood updates.”
The Environment Agency said figures from a rain gauge at Honister in the Lake District showed a UK record 341mm of rain had fallen in 24 hours over the weekend. The average rainfall for Cumbria for the month of December is 146.1mm, the Met Office said.
ENDS
newsdesk@environment-agency.gov.uk – 0203 263 8205