The Environment Agency (EA) is continuing to urge caution following the ongoing extreme weather - a major incident has been declared in Leicestershire and Rutland, due to severe flooding.

The Agency is continuing to urge people to remain vigilant following the recent extreme weather, as flood warnings are still in place and a mixture of further rainfall and melting snow could risk further disruption in parts of England on Monday and Tuesday.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) declared a major incident at 7:35a.m this morning in response to widespread flooding across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Since this morning, LFRS Control has received over 200 calls, with crews attending incidents involving cars stuck in flood water, evacuating residents from flooded homes, and rising water. So far, 17 members of the public have been rescued by LFRS crews.

Heavy rainfall over the New Year saw significant river flooding across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire and Yorkshire, with the highest river levels on record being reached on the Mersey in Stockport and South Manchester.

The EA is urging people to stay away from swollen rivers and to plan ahead when making journeys, as disruption from significant flooding in the Midlands is possible on Monday and into Tuesday, while minor impacts are also probable more widely across other parts of England.

There are 171 flood warnings currently in place in England, meaning flooding is expected and 316 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible. In the last 24 hours 106 flood warnings have been removed.

Following the recent incidents, the Agency estimates that across England more than 21,500 properties have been protected and at least 350 properties have flooded, with reports of further flooding being investigated.

Floods Minister Emma Hardy has met with staff from the Environment Agency and MPs in affected areas to discuss the response to the heavy rain and flooding and to ensure that communities are kept safe and receive the support they need.

The Environment Agency continues to monitor the forecast and impacts on river levels.

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

“Heavy rain and melting snow mean significant river flooding is possible in the Midlands, with minor impacts probable more widely across other parts of England, on Monday and into Tuesday.

“Environment Agency teams continue to be out on the ground, operating flood defences, taking action to reduce the impact of flooding, issuing flood warnings and supporting those communities affected.”