The Environment Agency is warning that heavy rainfall forecast over the next 24 hours across the country means significant river and surface water flooding is possible across central England.

Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Worcestershire, Bedfordshire and Gloucestershire, amongst others, are likely to be affected with minor impacts expected in other parts of Southern England and the North with river flooding is also possible today in the north-east of England.

The number of flood warnings are continuing to rise, in the Midlands and parts of Yorkshire in particular. At 1pm on Thursday there were 27 flood warnings, showing flooding is expected, and 73 flood alerts, showing flooding is possible. However, while 17 flood warnings were removed in the last 24 hours, currently 67 flood warnings are now in place where flooding is expected, with a further 122 flood alerts in place where flooding is possible.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms earlier in the week has led to around 385 properties flooded Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Kent and the Home Counties.

With further rain coming, Environment Agency teams are out on the ground putting up flood defences, clearing blockages and supporting local authorities in their response work.

Kate Marks, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

“Heavy rainfall across the country means that significant river and surface water flooding impacts are possible in parts of central England today and into Friday. Minor river flooding impacts are also possible in parts of north-east England today and Friday.

“Environment Agency teams continue to be out on the ground, supporting local authorities in responding to surface water flooding. We urge people to plan their journeys carefully, follow the advice of local emergency services on the roads and not to drive through flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.”

Floods Minister Emma Hardy yesterday visited communities in Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard to hear more about the impacts earlier this week. On Wednesday, Environment Secretary Steve Reed visited Northamptonshire on Wednesday to receive a briefing on their response and the actions taken to protect communities locally.

Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:

“I know first hand how devastating flooding can be and my thoughts go out to those residents and businesses affected in the last few days here in Leighton Buzzard and across the country.

“Today I met with those involved in the response on the ground, including representatives from the Environment Agency and its partners, and I want to express my heartfelt thanks for the vital work they have undertaken to help protect their communities. With more rain forecast, I urge people to continue to follow their advice and that of the emergency services.

“This government is working hard to accelerate the building of flood defences and boost our emergency response through our Floods Resilience Taskforce.”