BREAKING: Environment Agency updates flood situation after the worst tidal surge in more than 60 years

The Environment Agency is lifting flood warnings following the most serious tidal surge in more than 60 years.

 

The surge, which saw around 1,400 properties flooded, resulted in record sea levels, which in places were higher than those seen during the devastating floods of January 1953.

 

Dr Paul Leinster, Environment Agency Chief Executive, said: “Our thoughts remain with those people who have been affected by flooding. 

"People can find advice on how to recover from a flood on our website or by calling Floodline on 0845 988 1188.

 

“We continue to work with our partners to review the impact of flooding and to ensure that damage to flood walls and banks is repaired as soon as possible.

 

“Our staff, partners and the emergency services have worked tirelessly to issue warnings, ensure that flood risk management assets were in place and move people to safety. Without their efforts the impacts of this storm could have been far worse.

 

“Over the last three days we issued an unprecedented number of severe flood warnings. These early warnings gave emergency services, homes and businesses vital time to prepare.”

 

The Environment Agency sent more than 160,000 warnings to homes and businesses. 

Almost 3,000 kilometres of flood walls, banks and other flood risk management assets along the English coast and estuaries have protected more than 800,000 properties from flooding.

Environment Agency teams and contractors will remain out on the ground over the coming days to inspect and repair damaged sections of walls, banks and other assets. 

These teams have received military support for the most urgent repairs.

 

The number of flood warnings continues to reduce. 

A small number of alerts and warnings remain in place where damage to flood risk management mean an increased risk of flooding.