Environment Agency
class="gem-c-govspeak govuk-govspeak gem-c-govspeak--direction-ltr govuk-!-margin-bottom-0">
The Environment Agency is warning that ongoing flooding impacts are likely to continue in parts of England today as rivers continue to respond following recent widespread heavy rain.
Those travelling over the New Year are urged to stay away from swollen rivers and to plan ahead as river and surface water flooding impacts are possible on Sunday and Monday due to further rain and rapidly melting snow.
As of 14.15 on Thursday 2 November, there are 11 flood warnings and 44 flood alerts. The Environment Agency estimates that more than 21,000 properties have been protected and at least 47 properties have flooded, with reports of further flooding being investigated.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy has met with staff from the Environment Agency to discuss the response to the heavy rain and flooding, and to ensure that communities are kept safe and receive the support they need.
The Environment Agency continues to monitor the forecast and impacts on river levels. Its message to the public remains to check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation.
Ben Lukey, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:
As a result of recent widespread heavy rain minor river flooding impacts remain probable in parts of England today. Minor river and surface water flooding impacts are possible on Sunday and Monday due to further heavy rain and rapidly melting snow.
Environment Agency teams will be out on the ground, operating flood defences, taking action to reduce the impact of flooding, issuing flood warnings and supporting those communities affected.
We advise anyone travelling to be especially careful and urge people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through?flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.
People should searchcheck my flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings, and keep up to date with the latest situation at @EnvAgency on X.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:
My thoughts are with the people, businesses and communities impacted by flooding, particularly those in and around Greater Manchester.
I have met with officials from the Environment Agency to ensure that impacted communities are receiving the necessary support and I want to express my heartfelt thanks for the vital work that the Environment Agency and emergency services are doing to keep people safe.
The Government is working at pace to accelerate the building of flood defences through our new Floods Resilience Taskforce, so we can continue to protect people and their homes.
Lessons learned from these floods will be fed directly intothe new Floods Resilience Taskforceto speed up the development of flood defences and bolster the nations resilience to extreme weather.
The Taskforce brings together the Secretary of State and Minister Hardy with representatives from Defra, MHCLG, Home Office, Cabinet Office, the Environment Agency, the Met Office, Local Resilience Forums, Mayoral Offices, emergency responders and the National Fa