The Environment Agency is urging communities across England, especially in parts of the north, to remain vigilant and continue to prepare for flooding. Many flood warnings are still in place following the impacts of Storm Eunice and with Storm Franklin on the way.
Kath Smith, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said:
We are urging people to remain vigilant and take extreme care following the impacts of Storm Eunice, and with a further storm, Franklin, on the way. Heavy rain, affecting already wet areas, is likely to cause significant river flooding in parts of the north of England today and tomorrow. We have issued two severe flood warnings – which indicates a danger to life – for communities close to the River Mersey, including Didsbury and Northenden in Greater Manchester. Further river flooding is also possible across England.
We have teams out on the ground taking preventative action, closing flood gates, deploying temporary barriers and moving pumps and other response equipment to areas of highest risk, and standing ready to operate flood defences as needed. Over the past few days, Environment Agency defences have protected more than 18,000 properties from flooding.
We advise 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. Residents close to the River Mersey are being warned to take immediate action and prepare for property flooding.People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation, call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or follow @EnvAgency on Twitter for the latest flood updates.