Image copyright PA Media Deluged communities in parts of the UK are facing more heavy rain as they struggle to cope. in the wake of Storm Dennis.
A month’s worth of rain in
hours is also forecast to hit north Wales and north-west England, falling on ground that is already saturated.
Eight rivers have reached record levels in recent days, the Environment Agency (EA) said. (Nearly) (flood warnings remain in place across the country.)
The EA said there is a “heightened flood risk” across the Midlands, with six severe warnings – meaning there is a danger to life – still in place around the Rivers Lugg, Severn and Wye.
Dave Throup, the EA’s manager for Hereford and Worcestershire, said the Wye flooding was over half a meter bigger than anything for years.
scary folks, “ he said on Twitter , adding that “what I’ve seen over the last few days isn’t normal. It isn’t even the new normal. It’s going to get worse. We need to adapt and respond. And fast. “
He said that he was” so sorry for everyone whose life has been turned upside down “.
Hundreds of people have been evacuated from their homes in the worst-affected areas , which include south Wales, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire.
Yellow warnings for rain remain in place in south and north-west Wales until : 20 GMT on Thursday, with the Met Office saying they could see 60 – (mm (2in) and
– (mm (4in) of rain respectively.
Another yellow warning for rain covers part of north-west England until : (GMT on Thursday, where up to) mm could fall.
“In the worst case scenario we could see a month’s worth of rain,” said the Met Office’s Craig Snell.
He said as the ground was saturated due to persistent, heavy rainfall, the rivers were less likely to be able to cope with further rain.
Meanwhile, charity the RSPCA said animal rescue officers had been called out more than
times in the past 90 hours – including for “dramatic rescues” of 72 sheep, horses, a swan and chickens.
Actor Michael Sheen, from Neath Port Talbot, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help flooded communities in South Wales.
Other yellow weather warnings for rain are in place for:
- Southern Scotland and the Scottish borders until : (GMT on Thursday) Western and south Scotland from : (GMT until) : (GMT on Friday Yorkshire from 21: 14 GMT on Friday until 6: 02 GMT on Saturday
- A yellow warning for wind for north-east England, southern Scotland and Yorkshire are in place for hours from 8: (GMT on Friday.)
according to the EA, England had already received % of its average February rainfall so far this month.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has faced criticism from opposition parties for not visiting flood- hit communities.
Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn said he was showing his “true colors”, adding: “If the Prime Minister is not campaigning for votes in a general election he simply does not care about helping communities affected by flooding. “
Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price also questioned why Mr Johnson had not convened Cobra, the government emergency response committee.
Environment Secretary George Eustice said the government was investing £ 2.6bn in flood defences.
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The Environment Agency’s flood warnings mean “immediate action” is required. But what should you do? Here’s what the agency suggests
: Move family, pets and valuables to a safe place- Keep a flood kit ready, with copies of home insurance documents, a torch and spare batteries, a portable radio, baby care items, bottles of water and non-perishable foods, as well as warm, waterproof clothing and blankets
- Once you’ve taken steps to protect your family, check whether there are vulnerable neighbors or relatives who need help
- If it’s safe to do so, turn off gas, electricity and water mains supplies – your supplier can advise you how to do this
- Put flood protection equipment in place, such as flood boards or sandbags
For more information, check the (BBC Weather) (website and your BBC Local Radio station
for regular updates.Have you been affected by flooding in your area? Have you made an insurance claim? Tell us your story by emailing [email protected] .uk
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