Environment Agency warns of 'significant disruption' because of heavy rain (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Environment Agency warns of 'significant disruption' because of heavy rain

1:23pm Monday 24th September 2012 in News

THE Environment Agency is warning residents and emergency responders across the North West to prepare for an increased risk of flooding over the next two days.

Up to 100mm of rain is expected across the region in the next 24 hours. At 11am today, 11 flood alerts were issued for river and surface water flooding.

The EA is warning that there could be significant disruption to travel and flooding of properties and communities. It says strong winds will increase the risk of flooding as wind-blown debris has the potential to block watercourses and drains.

Teams have been mobilised across the country to check on flood defences, clear any river blockages and closely monitor river levels.

In addition to surface water flooding, it is likely that a significant number of river flood alerts (meaning that flooding is possible) and warnings (meaning that flooding is expected) will be issued over the next three days. The public are urged to check the Environment Agency website for the latest information: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood.

Anyone concerned about potential flooding should sign up for free flood warnings on the Environment Agency’s website or by calling the Environment Agency Flood Line on 0845 988 1188.

Steve Moore, Regional Director for the North West Environment Agency said: “We are expecting persistent and heavy rainfall for much of today and Tuesday. We strongly urge people to sign up to flood warnings, keep a close eye on local weather forecasts and be prepared for the possibility of flooding. We also ask that people stay safe, by staying away swollen rivers and not attempting to drive through floodwater.

“The Environment Agency already has teams out on the ground checking on flood defences and clearing any blockages in order to reduce the risk of flooding as much as possible.”