Met Office forecasts more rain this weekend in places, so Environment Agency has issued 18 warnings where flooding is “expected” and dozens of less severe alerts
Some 75 flood alerts – including 18 more severe warnings – have been issued by the Environment Agency as rain is expected tonight and into tomorrow across parts of the UK.
The majority of the warnings concern coastal areas, particularly across Southwest England. There are seven warnings in Cornwall alone and in each case, the Environment Agency has warned residents “flooding is expected” so “act” quickly to minimise damage and disruption.
Parts of Cumbria, East Yorkshire and Cheshire are also subject to the more severe warnings, while the alerts – designed to encourage communities to “prepare” for flooding – largely concern parts of Southeast England. Parts of Essex and Kent are also subject to a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms tonight, as temperatures are expected to plunge dramatically due to end to the recent humidity. Residents in areas issued with flood warnings should, Environment Agency, says;
- Turn off gas, water and electricity
- Move things upstairs or to safety
- Move family, pets and car to safety
And those in areas subject to the less severe alerts, including those living near River Thames in central London, should;
- Prepare a bag that includes medicines and insurance documents
This will help give the best protection to any flooding. Where “flooding is expected”, residents should “act now”.
“Please take action to protect yourself and your property and monitor local weather and river conditions. Avoid contact with, walking or driving through flood water. Consider activating any property flood protection products you may have,” the Environment Agency’s website reads. The 18 flood warnings are;
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Cumbrian coastline at Duddon estuary, at Haverigg to Duddon Bridge, Foxfield, Dunnerholme
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Cumbrian coastline at Duddon estuary, between Haverigg, Duddon Bridge, Dunnerholme and A595
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Cumbrian coastline at North Morecambe Bay, between Roosebeck, Ulverston, Flookburgh and A590
Rain will be at its heaviest across northern England tonight, slowly moving westwards. By tomorrow morning, it’ll be drizzly across the East Midlands and over the Peak District. Showers will develop across southern counties by lunchtime, Met Office maps show.
Essex and Greater London will experience heavier showers in the afternoon. Conditions will be brighter, however, across the UK by Saturday night, it is understood.
But, by which time, flooding may have started, even in the areas with the less severe alerts. Environment Agency urges residents to “monitor local water levels and weather conditions” in these spots. “Avoid using low lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding. Start acting on your flood plan if you have one,” the service writes online. The full list of these alerts, at the time of writing, is;
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