Map reveals areas in UK most at risk of flooding
Dozens of areas in the UK are at risk of flooding as heavy rain and thunderstorms batter Britain.
The UK has been soaked after the Met Office issued yellow and amber warnings for rain and thunderstorm across most of the British Isles.
If you are in the west of Scotland, south of England, Wales and Northern Ireland you might escape the dreary weather over the next couple of days.
But others should prepare to get drenched on Wednesday and Thursday, while flooding is likely in some areas.
Amber and red flood alerts were issued for London, southeast and southwest England, east and northeast, and the Midlands.
Where in the UK are flood warnings in place?
Several places are at risk of flooding after the wet weather with river and groundwater levels rising.
There are four red flood warnings in place, while a further 61 areas have flood alerts.
Flooding is expected at River Dene at Walton, Warwickshire, the Stour Brook from Haverhill, Essex, to Sturmer in Suffolk, Gilwiskaw Brook at Packington, and River Mease at Measham and Netherseal, the Environment Agency warned.
The red warning means you should ‘act now’ if you are in the area.
Flooding is possible across further 50 areas, including parts of southeast London, east Kent, Derbyshire, Leicester and Nottinghamshire as water levels rise.
The amber warning means to ‘be prepared’ for possible flooding.
How long will they be in place?
The flood warnings will remain in place until the situation changes, the government agency said.
The agency said flooding is expected to hit properties and roads in the Walton Area, including Walton Road, in Warwickshire on Wednesday.
People were told to avoid low lying footpaths and bridges near watercourses.
Drivers should ‘avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.’
In Haverhill and Sturmer, the areas most at risk are riverside properties and the A1307 and A143.
‘The forecast is for further potentially heavy rainfall today, Wednesday 22nd May 2024. Flood water is dangerous. Don’t put yourself or others at risk,’ the Environment Agency said.
It is ‘closely monitoring the situation’ as further rainfall is forecast.
How to prepare for a flood warning
Residents can sign up for flood warnings and alerts by phone, text or email.
But it might be a good idea to make a flood plan if you live in a high-risk area.
You can think of ways to stop water entering your home, know beforehand how to turn off your electricity and water and put important documents and items in a waterproof container.
(Picture: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Keeping a note of relatives who might need help in an emergency is also advised.
Other contact details that might become handy in a flood include insurance, utilities, finance such as bank accounts, vets, the council and medical details.
A flood kit should contain anything vital you might need in case you need to leave your home, such as documents, warm and waterproof clothing, a torch, drinking water, medicine, a mobile phone with charger and baby care items.
If you are planning to travel, check the road conditions and train timetables beforehand.
Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said: ‘Some areas are really going to see a lot of heavy, persistent rain through a big chunk of Wednesday.
‘It is going to be a pretty wet picture as we go through the rest of the week for many places.
‘There is some uncertainty as to exactly where we are going to see the heaviest rain and where is most likely to be impacted.’
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
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