The Environment Agency urges coastal communities in England’s south west and south coasts, particularly those along the tidal River Severn or Wye in Gloucestershire to be prepared for flooding from Storm Eunice.
The storm continues to bring strong winds to the UK, creating high waves as well as a storm surge. This coincides with high spring tides. Extreme weather is causing severe flood warnings to be issued for parts the River Wye in Gloucestershire and the Severn Estuary, which means there is a risk to life.
As of 13:30pm, there were 11 flood warnings that flooding is possible and 58 flood alerts that flooding is possible. These numbers are expected to rise in the coming hours.
The Environment Agency works around the clock to ensure safety for communities and individuals. Teams are working together to remove flood gates, screen and erect barriers along the tidal River Severn in the south west of England, and other affected areas. In affected areas, incident rooms have been increased to help communities that may be impacted.
The public is also being urged not to hesitate to sign up and receive free flood warnings. What to do in the event of flooding.
Stefan Laeger, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, stated:
Strong winds that result in a storm surge and large waves could cause severe coastal flooding to areas of the west, south, and south coasts of England. This will also affect the tidal Rivers Severn in Gloucestershire. This is due Storm Eunice occurring in conjunction with large waves and high spring tides. More heavy rain is expected this weekend.
Environment Agency teams are on the ground closing gates, erecting barriers, clearing screens where flood debris could build up, and are ready to operate flood defenses if necessary. Flood gates have been shut down on the south and north coasts of Cornwall and Devon. We are working with local resilience forums partners to plan for emergency response to keep people safe in the event of flooding.
Be careful on promenades and coastal paths. We urge everyone to be safe along the coast and warn wave watchers not to take storm selfies. Flooding of low-lying coastal roads is possible. People should avoid driving in flood waters as only 30cm of water can move your car.
To sign up for flood warnings online, type “check my flood risk” and follow @EnvAgency Twitter. Floodline can be reached at 0345 988 1188.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Frank Saunders said:
Storm Eunice will bring strong winds to the UK’s central and southern regions after the impacts of Storm Dudley on Wednesday.
The red warning zone indicates a serious danger to human life. Extremely strong winds pose a threat to structures and flying debris. Even though gusts could reach 90 mph in the most exposed areas of the coast in the west and south, the winds will be stronger inland with gusts between 70-80 mph for most of the area within the amber warning zone.
