Coastal and river flooding still a risk - EA

The Environment Agency (EA) has lowered the number of severe flood warnings in place to one, but insists the risk of flooding from rivers and along the coast still remains high.

The agency provided specific warnings for communities along the banks of the rivers Thames, Dorset Stour, Severn and Frome as well as on the Somerset Levels.

The EA also warned that large waves and storm surges also presented risks to those living along the north west, south west and south coasts of England as well as parts of the Welsh coast.

EA flood risk manager Jonathan Day said: “The risk of flooding of river continues into next week as peak flows move down the Thames, Dorset Stour and the Frome. Communities in Oxfordshire and Dorset need to be prepared for the possibility of significant river flooding.

“Although high tides are now falling, there remains a risk of coastal flooding especially on the south and west coasts. In addition, wet conditions have left the ground saturated in many areas, increasing the risk of river and surface water flooding.”

“Environment Agency teams remain out on the ground across the country and will continue to work around the clock to protect communities at risk,” he added.

Most recent estimates from the EA suggest that about 220 properties have flooded to date but more than 205,000 properties have been protected by flood defences.