The Environment Agency is warning over ongoing flood risk and urging people to remain aware as flood alerts remain in place across England.

With high river levels in parts of the south of England and along the Bristol Avon, the Cotswolds and Oxfordshire, the Environment Agency is urging people to check their flood risk and sign up for flood warnings.

There is also an ongoing risk of groundwater flooding in parts of Hampshire, West Sussex and Brighton and Hove following December’s above average rainfall. Local communities in these areas are being advised to remain vigilant to the risks of flooding.

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

“More rain on the way will add to already swollen river levels, possibly bringing some localised river and surface water flooding to parts of the south of England into Friday. During this unsettled weather we are advising people to remain aware of localised flooding by signing up to our flood warnings and to stay away from swollen rivers.”

“Our teams have been erecting temporary flood barriers where needed to help protect people and property and are out on the ground across the country clearing drainage channels to reduce the risk of flooding. We are ready to deploy further temporary flood barriers should they be needed.”

The weather outlook is improving into the weekend - the risk of flooding should diminish over the coming days into next week.

There are currently 11 flood warnings in place where flooding is expected and immediate action required, with a further 154 flood alerts where flooding is possible and telling people to be prepared.