Storm force winds will lead to increased coastal flood risk
The Met Office is warning that a period of stormy weather generated by storm Imogen is expected over southern parts of England today and into early next week.
A combination of gales, high tides and heavy showers will lead to an increased flood risk. On Sunday night and into Monday storm force winds are expected to lead to overtopping waves and spray for south-west and south of England, particularly the Devon and Cornwall coasts, the Bristol Channel, and parts of the Kent and Sussex coastline.
It is possible that we will see flooding of coastal roads and isolated coastal properties. Large waves are also forecast and people should take care on exposed coastal promenades.
There is also a continued risk of minor river flooding from the River Severn from Sunday (today) until Wednesday as the river continues to rise in response to heavy rainfall. Elsewhere, on Sunday and Monday rivers in Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Oxfordshire will continue to rise bringing a possibility of minor flooding.
Jonathan Day, Environment Agency Duty Flood Risk Manager said:
Storm Imogen will lead to large waves and spray along the south and south-west coastal parts of England on Sunday night and Monday. We understand it is tempting to see the force of Mother Nature but people should take extreme care on coastal paths and not put themselves and rescue workers at risk. Please listen to the advice of the coastguard and the police about safe places to be. Flooding of low lying coastal roads is also possible and people should also avoid driving through flood water.
There is also continued risk of minor river flooding into next week in the south and south west of England as rivers will continue to rise in response to recent rainfall Environment Agency teams, as always, are out on the ground monitoring the situation and will issue flood warnings and alerts as required. The public can keep up to date with the latest situation on GOV.UK or follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter for the latest updates.
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