Despite praises by a minister from the Government for temporary barriers, the Environment Agency (EA), warned of a serious risk of flooding.
Storms Dudley, Eunice, and Franklin left 1.4 Million households without electricity for up 72 hours. Numerous properties near the River Severn were also affected.
The EA urges communities in the West Midlands and Yorkshire to be prepared for flooding after high rainfall from Storm Franklin.
Flood waters from River Severn surround The Boat Inn At Jackfield, Shropshire (Nick Potts/PA).
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Two flood warnings indicating a danger to human life have been issued for River Severn, Ironbridge and Wribbenhall in Bewdley. These warnings are meant to warn that water levels could rise above the defenses.
Due to heavy rain, around 400 properties were flooded in different parts of the country.
Environment Secretary George Eustice claimed that flood defences had protected 40,000 homes, while he was being questioned at the National Farmers Union Conference on flooding and the inability to build permanent defenses along the River Severn.
He stated that although the Severn has faced some problems, particularly around Ironbridge and Bewdley, and some issues around Shrewsbury as well, the defenses we have put in place have been just as effective as they were two-years ago, protecting these communities.
A goose swims past cars in York that are stranded by flood water after the River Ouse has overtopped its banks (Danny Lawson/PA).
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We know that around 40,000 homes have been protected by flood defenses. On the Severn, we have these innovative demountable barriers that allow you to use the river almost every day of the year.
Then, when flood risk is present, we place temporary barriers alongside the river. These have proven to be remarkably effective in reducing flood risk, particularly along the Severn. They have also been successful this time.
He said that although there was some flooding, it was still relatively low.
It is obviously a tragedy for those who are flooded. However, in the context of the 40,000 homes we have protected through flood defenses, you have to remember that, Mr Eustice said.
A general view of Ironbridge in Shropshire (Nick Potts/PA).
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Katharine Smith, flood duty manager for the EA, stated that significant river flooding is possible in the coming days and she advised people to avoid swollen rivers.
She stated that there is still a flood risk and that people should be vigilant and take extreme precautions.
The River Severn will be flooded by heavy rains that could affect already wet areas in the coming days.
We have received reports from around 400 properties that their homes have been affected by flooding in the last few days. Our thoughts are with all those affected by flooding.
Teams are on the ground to take preventative action, close flood gates, deploy temporary barriers, and move pumps to areas at highest risk. The Environment Agency has protected more than 40,000 properties, despite record flood levels.
Flood defences along River Severn at Bewdley begin to leak water (Joe Giddens/PA).
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We advise people not to drive through floodwater or swollen rivers. It is only 30cm that can cause your car to be displaced by the water.
Shaun Davies from Telford & Wrekin, a councillor who was at the scene in Ironbridge Tuesday morning when flooding hit areas without defences on Tuesday, has called for a permanent solution by the central Government to flood risks along this river.
Mr Davies stated that the Government has provided temporary flood barriers to the community, but there is concern they will be breached.
This is a problem that affects the whole Severn and we need to ensure that the solution is permanent, he said.
Flood defenses along the Wharfage, next to the River Severn, after high winds in Ironbridge (Nick Potts/PA).
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The councillor stated that the EA and Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, (Defra), said that 2020 flooding was a once in a century event.
However, it’s only been two years and we should be preparing as normal for this type of event going forward. He added that permanent barriers are now needed by the community.
AA Home Insurance reported that it received over 600 claims in connection to Storm Eunice. Around 90% of those claims were for roof damage and fence damage.
Over the weekend, AAs Motor Insurance received approximately 350 claims. Many of them were single-vehicle collisions.
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings about wind in parts of Scotland, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and North Yorkshire for Wednesday. A yellow warning for wind, snow and wind covers large areas of Scotland and Northern Ireland between 1pm on Wednesday and 3pm on Thursday.