Environment Agency
Members of the public are being warned to remain vigilant to the continued flooding impacts from the River Trent and across the Isle of Wight, following heavy and persistent rainfall overnight.
As of 15:50pm on Wednesday 25 October there are 48 flood warnings, meaning that flooding is expected, and 83 flood alerts, meaning that flooding is possible. The EAs flood warning service has sent out over 300,000 messages by email, telephone and text during Storm Babet.
Tragically, a number of deaths have been widely reported and, sadly, the total number of properties reported to have been flooded stands at 1,375.
An estimated 62,000 properties have been protected and as part of the EAs response, twenty high volume pumps and five small volume pumps have been deployed across several sites.
The Environment Agency is working round the clock with its partners to help reduce the risk. Teams are operating flood defences, flood storage reservoirs and putting up temporary barriers where needed to help protect communities.
The EA has said significant river flooding is possible but not expected today (Tuesday) and into Wednesday across parts of the East Midlands and South Yorkshire. Minor river flooding impacts are also possible across the south of England later today and into Wednesday as further heavy rain pushes across these areas. Further rain on Thursday may lead to minor river flooding impacts in parts of the East Midlands and East of England as rain falls on to sensitive catchments.
The public shouldsign up to flood warningsandcheck the latest safety adviceas heavy downpours are likely to fall on saturated ground.
Stefan Laegar, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency said:
Our heartfelt sympathies and condolences are with those who have lost loved ones in Storm Babet as well as those who are experiencing the devastating impact of having their homes and businesses flooded.
The public should remain wary of ongoing river flooding impacts from the River Trent through parts of the Midlands today, and across the Isle of Wight following heavy and intense rainfall overnight. Minor coastal flooding is also probable this weekend in Devon and Cornwall with incoming spring tides.
We have been able to protect more than 62,000 properties across affected areas throughout the country and Environment Agency teams are out on the ground operating flood barriers and storage areas.
We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and urge people not to drive through?flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.
People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation at?https://www.gov.uk/check-flood-risk, call Floodline on 0345 988 1188?or follow @EnvAgency on Twitter for the latest flo