Data from the Environment Agency has revealed that nearly every river in England has reached exceptionally high levels, with some even reaching record levels. This information comes as almost 250 flood warnings persist across England and Wales, leading to travel problems in many parts of the country.
While the Met Office has forecasted the end of the wet weather, water levels remain high, and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued a yellow cold weather alert for the coming days. The Environment Agency currently has 244 flood warnings in place across England, down from over 300 on Friday morning, with further alerts in Wales.
Heavy rainfall in Cambridgeshire has led to the closure of roads and rail replacement buses due to flooding. Networks such as Great Western Railway have experienced significant disruptions, and various lines remain closed due to flooding. South Western Railway has reported a “good service” on Saturday despite widespread disruptions.
The Environment Agency predicts that significant river flooding impacts are to be expected across parts of the Midlands on the River Trent and in Gloucester. They expect impacts across much of England over the next five days due to the ground being completely saturated. Caroline Douglass, the agency’s flood director, stated that the Trent has reached some of the highest levels seen in 24 years, prompting Nottinghamshire County Council to declare a major incident.
Additionally, the Met Office predicts cold temperatures and possible frost and fog patches, with nighttime temperatures expected to drop below zero. The UKHSA has issued a yellow cold weather alert, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has responded to the floods, but his government has been criticized for its response.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to make flood defenses “fit for purpose,” and Liberal Democrat spokeswoman Helen Morgan has called for the Prime Minister to view the devastation caused by these floods firsthand. Overall, the situation remains challenging as authorities work to manage the ongoing flood warnings and high water levels.