UK Weather: Environment Agency Issues Flood Warnings Across Parts Of England

Warnings of yet more flooding have been issued as some areas face downpours which could see almost a month's rain fall in just a few hours.

The Environment Agency said people across central and eastern England should remain on alert for possible floods as heavy thunderstorms are forecast for many areas later today and tomorrow.

The Met Office has issued another severe weather warning of heavy rain for parts of the Midlands, southern and eastern England and Wales, forecasting that many areas will see between 20mm and 30mm (0.8 to 1.2 inches) of rain.

The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings for central and eastern England

Some parts could see up to 60mm (2.4 inches), almost the total average for the month of July, over a few hours. It comes after Britain faced the wettest June on record.

The potentially intense showers on ground that is already saturated by months of rain could lead to surface water flooding, when the local drainage system cannot cope with rainfall, and possible river flooding.

The Environment Agency said river flooding could prove a problem particularly in parts of the Midlands and East Anglia, while there continued to be a risk of flooding from rising groundwater across parts of Dorset.

John Curtin, head of incident management at the Environment Agency, said: "We have experienced some severe weather in recent weeks and the risk of flooding remains high across England late Friday into Saturday, but particularly across the Midlands and the east of the country.

"The combination of saturated ground, high river levels and further forecasts of torrential rain mean people must remain vigilant.

"The public should check local weather forecasts, and the Environment Agency website for information on a regular basis as flooding can happen very quickly."

There were already three river flood warnings in place for the South West at lunchtime and 39 less serious flood alerts across England.

People are also being urged not to drive or walk through flood waters which can be dirty, dangerous and full of hidden debris.

The wettest April to June on record, followed by more heavy rain so far this month, has caused widespread - and in some cases, repeated - flooding.

The latest casualty of the washout summer was the Country, Land and Business Association's (CLA) Game Fair at Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire, due to take place from July 20 to 22, which has been cancelled.

The Environment Agency said much of Wales was also at high risk of flooding overnight and into tomorrow.

In Dorset, residents were being warned of a further risk of flooding following last weekend's flash floods.

Miles Butler, director for environmental services at Dorset County Council, said: "The floods that hit Dorset this week were extraordinary.

"All agencies have worked together throughout the week to help people protect their homes, to get roads open and to keep essential services running."

Robin Herringshaw, the Highways Agency's emergency planning manager in the South West, said: "It is hoped that the flood water will continue to drain away, however more heavy rain is forecast in the next few days.

"We are working closely with all our partners to monitor weather conditions and maintain safe roads and reliable journeys.

"Drivers should plan their journeys before setting out, check weather conditions, leave extra time for their journeys if travel conditions are poor, and delay their journey if the weather becomes severe."

Dave Bunt, from the Environment Agency, said: "Six weeks of heavy rainfall has resulted in exceptionally high groundwater levels.

"We've had some massive downpours in the past week, with some areas seeing more than double the long term average. This has resulted in some property flooding from groundwater sources.

"We're expecting further heavy downpours this weekend which unfortunately means that there is a risk of further property flooding across Wessex, and from groundwater flooding in some areas of Dorset."

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