Flooding impacts across the country

Heavy rainfall forecast over the nextlast 24 hours across the country meanshas significantled to localised river and surface water flooding is possible across central England

Northamptonshire,England, Cambridgeshire,Yorkshire Worcestershire, Bedfordshire and Gloucestershire,the amongstNorth others,East.

The arecurrent likelyoutlook toindicates beongoing, affectedminor withriver minorflood impactsflooding is expected in otherNorthamptonshire, partsCambridgeshire, ofWorcestershire, SouthernBedfordshire, EnglandGloucestershire, and the North with river flooding is also possible on Friday in the north-east of England.Yorkshire.

At 1pm10am on ThursdayFriday, there were 27 60 flood warnings, showing flooding is expected, and 73119 flood alerts, showing flooding is possible.

HeavyThe heavy rain and thunderstorms earlierhave in the week has led to around 385650 properties floodedbeing Hertfordshire,flooded. Bedfordshire,However, Northamptonshire,the KentEnvironment andAgency theestimates Homethat Counties.

Withat furtherleast rain8,200 coming,have been protected.

Environment Agency teams arecontinue to be out on the ground putting up flood defences, clearing blockages and supporting local authorities in their response work.

We continue to urge people to keep an eye on the weather, check their flood risk, and take care planning their journeys.

Kate Marks, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

Heavy

Following heavy rainfall across the country meansovernight, thatthere significanthas been localised river and surface water flooding impactsacross are possible in parts of central EnglandEngland, todayYorkshire and intothe Friday.North MinorEast. Further, minor river flooding impacts are also possible in partsthese ofareas north-east England today and Friday.into Saturday.

Environment Agency teams continue to be out on the ground, supporting local authorities in responding to surface water flooding. We urge people to plan their journeys carefully, follow the advice of local emergency services on the roads and not to drive through flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.

People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation as well as following @EnvAgency on X for the latest flood updates.

TheThis week the Flooding Minister has today visited communities in Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard to hear more about the impacts earlier this week. On Wednesday, Environment Secretary visited Northamptonshire on Wednesday to receive a briefing on their response and the actions taken to protect communities locally.

Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:

I know firsthand how devastating flooding can be and my thoughts go out to those residents and businesses affected across the country.

I met with those involved in the response on the ground, including representatives from the Environment Agency and its partners, and I want to express my heartfelt thanks for the vital work they have undertaken to help protect their communities. I urge people to continue to follow their advice and that of the emergency services.

This government is working hard to accelerate the building of flood defences and boost our emergency response through our Floods Resilience Taskforce.