Improving picture but further flooding impacts expected in England following Storm Claudia

The Environment Agency is warning that while weather conditions are now more settled, ongoing river flooding impacts remain likely following Storm Claudia.

The Met Office’s rain and wind warnings have now expired, and today is expected to be more settled. However, the recent heavy rainfall associated with Storm Claudia has led to widespread disruption, and flood risk remains in place across parts of England. Ongoing minor river flooding impacts are still probable today along the River Ouse and expected along the River Severn until Thursday.

As of 12pm10am on Monday,Tuesday, there are 165 Flood Warnings, meaning flooding is expected, and 4026 Flood Alerts, meaning flooding is possible.

To date, the Environment Agency is reporting that 57 properties have flooded as a result of Storm Claudia, including some in Cumbria affected by earlier rainfall. More than 18,000 properties have been protected by flood defences and Environment Agency interventions so far.

EA officers are out on the ground today to clear debris from trash screens, inspect assets and continue to erect temporary defences if required.

Sarah Cook, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

Our sympathies are with everyone affected by recent flooding. While only a small number of properties in England have been impacted, the effects are no less distressing, and our teams continue to support communities.

River levels are slowly falling but minor flooding impacts may continue along the River Ouse today and along the Severn until Thursday. Environment Agency teams remain out on the ground operating defences, checking assets and working with local partners.

With colder weather now moving in, we urge people to take extra care on icy surfaces, and to avoid swollen rivers and driving through flood water. Please search ‘check my flood risk’, sign up for free flood warnings, and follow the latest updates from @EnvAgency on X.

Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:

My heart goes out to everyone affected by the flooding caused by Storm Claudia, particularly those whose homes and businesses have been impacted.

Following the impacts in Monmouthshire, I have been in in contact with the Welsh Government to offer support if needed.

The weather may be more settled, but there remains a risk of ongoing river flooding. I am in regular contact with the Environment Agency on their response, and their teams – together with local authorities and the emergency services – are working hard on the ground to support communities and reduce further impacts.

I urge the public to continue following local advice, avoid driving through flood water, and stay prepared by signing up for flood warnings and keeping up to date with the latest information from @EnvAgency on X.

Across the country, Environment Agency officers are working round the clock checking flood defences, clearing debris and erecting temporary barriers.

We continue to monitor forecasts and impacts on water levels across the country. We urge the public to check their flood risk, get flood warnings and to consider the weather before travelling.

People can check their flood risk, get free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation, and follow @EnvAgency on X for the latest flood updates.