At least 190 properties were flooded across part of England, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Kent and Home Counties over the heavy rain and thunderstorm on Monday, 23th of September, 2024.
According to the British Government publication on Tuesday, stating that the impact also includes a combination of surface water flooding and some flooding from small, largely urban watercourses.
The Govt assured that the flood risk will start to reduce later on Tuesday, but added that for the moment it will continue urging people to keep an eye on the weather, check their flood risk, and take care planning their journeys.
It revealed that environment Agency staff are out on the ground, clearing blockages and supporting local authorities in their response work, advised commuters to follow advice of local emergency services on the roads and not to drive through flood water.
Reacting to this development, the Flood Minister, Emma Hardy said he is too familiar with the devastating consequences of the flooding and expressed his sympathies to those affected by the recent weather.
According to him, “I’m very grateful to the Environment Agency for their ongoing efforts to help communities and I encourage people to stay vigilant and follow the advice of the emergency services”.
Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, Sarah Cook said, “Due to yesterday’s heavy rain, thunderstorms, flood warnings and alerts remain in place across many parts of the country.
She further said that the risk of further surface water flooding is also possible but not expected in parts of the Midlands and North of England on Thursday, adding that 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, formerly Twitter, for the latest flood updates”, she said.
The Govt stated further that Environment Agency recognizes the threat from surface water flooding and is taking action to improve the country’s resilience for instance supporting local flood authorities to enhance local surface water flood risk mapping.
