Heavy rainfall will this week bring a risk of river flooding in the north, Midlands and south west, the Environment Agency (EA) has warned today.
Rivers and areas already affected by record river levels throughout the wettest December on record, including Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire, are likely to be at risk on Tuesday/Wednesday.
Residents and businesses are being asked to ‘be aware’ of the possibility of flooding and regularly check the EA for updates.
An EA press release says the very heavy rainfall could inundate drains and make river levels rise.
Residents are being urged to check their flood risk, be prepared for flooding and be cautious if travelling, particularly on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Met Office has also issued an early yellow severe weather warning for heavy rain and potential flooding in West Yorkshire.
No flood warnings have yet been issued by the Environment Agency in Leeds.
Chris Wilding, National Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:
“Heavy rainfall brings the risk of flooding on Tuesday and Wednesday across the south west, Midlands, Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire, with the potential for high waves along south west and north west coasts. Our teams have worked around the clock over the past few months, first responding to the recent floods and then helping support communities with recovery, and we will continue to do so with more heavy rainfall on the way.
“Our thoughts are with all those who have suffered serious flooding over the past few months, and it is once again vital that people prepare for heavy rainfall and the risk of further flooding.
“We will issue flood warnings and alerts where necessary as rivers respond to the rainfall, which could also inundate drains, so people need to be ready for flash flooding in some places.
“We urge people to check their flood risk, prepare for flooding, follow the advice from emergency services and never risk driving through flood water.”
Kirkstall Road and parts of the city centre were flooded on Boxing Day after the River Aire reached record levels.
More information on flooding:
For the latest flooding warnings go to https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/
People can check flood risk here.
Advice for people who’ve been flooded.
Follow @EnvAgency on Twitter and #FloodAware for the latest flood risk advice.