Communities along the River Severn are being urged to remain alert as the risk of flooding following Storm Franklin is ongoing.
There are over 52 flood warnings in place across the UK, meaning that flooding is expected, and 43 flood alerts, meaning that flooding is likely.
Furthermore, severe flood warnings – meaning there is a danger to life – are in place for the River Severn at the Wharfage in Ironbridge and in Wribbenhall, Bewdley, where some residents have been evacuated.
Unprecedented weather, during which three storms were named by the Met Office, has led to river levels coming close to beating historic highs, including at the Upper Severn and River Mersey in Didsbury, according to the Environment Agency.
The Environment agency, which currently has teams working to mitigate these high water levels, is estimating that around 400 properties have flooded across different parts of the country as a result of the heavy rain.
“So far we have received reports of around 400 properties having flooded over the past few days. Our thoughts go out to all those affected – flooding can and does have a devastating impact on people’s lives,” said Environment Agency flood duty manager, Dan Bond.
“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.
“Environment Agency defences have protected more than 40,000 properties despite record river levels.
“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.”
