GovWire

Press release: More than 102,000 properties protected during Storm Henk and recent flooding

Environment Agency

January 12
15:22 2024

More than 102,000 properties were protected during Storm Henk and the recent flooding, the Environment Agency has confirmed.

However, the threat of flooding remains. As of 1:36pm on 12 January, there were52 flood warnings, meaning flooding is expected, and 101 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible, in place.

Following the prolonged wet weather, minor groundwater flooding is expected across parts of Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire and is possible more widely across parts of the south of the country and in Yorkshire and the Humber throughout the next five days. Minor flooding is also possible along the lower River Thames today (Friday 12 January).

More than 102,000 properties have been protected in the past few days. Sadly, the total number of properties reported to have been flooded stands at around 2,200. We will work to understand if more could be done to better protect these properties in future.

The Environment Agency continues to monitor the forecast and impacts on river levels, including the potential for groundwater and tidal risks. The message to the public remains to check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation.

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

Flood defences and the work of Environment Agency staff have helped to protected more than 102,000 properties during Storm Henk and the recent flooding. The total number of properties sadly reported to have flooded is around 2,000 and our thoughts are with all those who have been affected.

However, the threat of flooding remains. Minor groundwater flooding is expected across parts of the south of the country over the next five days. It is also possible flooding will continue along the lower River Thames today.

Environment Agency teams are out on the ground, working to minimise the impacts of flooding where possible by operating flood defences and clearing watercourses. 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.

People shouldcheck 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.

For images of operational activity by the Environment Agency, please see theSouth West,South East andMidlandsteams accounts on X, formerly known as Twitter.

You can sign up for flood warnings and the latest flood updateshere:

Related Articles

Comments

  1. We don't have any comments for this article yet. Why not join in and start a discussion.

Write a Comment

Your name:
Your email:
Comments:

Post my comment

Recent Comments

Follow Us on Twitter

Share This


Enjoyed this? Why not share it with others if you've found it useful by using one of the tools below: