The Environment Agency has warned of significant flood risk following Storm Chandra, with Met Office yellow rain warnings in parts of England and pumps running on the Somerset Levels and Moors. The statement was updated on 2 February 2026. (gov.uk)
Water levels remain very high in Dorset and Wiltshire as the agency works with councils, the water company and emergency responders. People are urged not to drive through floodwater-30cm of flowing water can float a car. (gov.uk)
EA flood duty manager Joe Cuthbertson reports significant groundwater flooding is probable in parts of Dorset and Wiltshire, with minor impacts possible in Hampshire, and river and surface water impacts possible across southern England on 2–3 February 2026. (gov.uk)
Initial estimates indicate 238 properties have flooded while more than 16,200 have been protected by defences; figures are subject to verification as teams continue assessments. (gov.uk)
For communities and local teams, this remains a live‑response phase. The Environment Agency is focused on operating assets, pumping and issuing warnings; councils and emergency services coordinate community safety, welfare and road closures; businesses should review continuity plans, staffing and access to sites.
On funding, Floods Minister Emma Hardy states the government will invest £10.5 billion to protect a further 900,000 properties by 2036, alongside more than £100 million reprioritised to maintain existing flood assets. (gov.uk)
For practitioners, the £10.5bn headline signals a multi‑year capital pipeline, while the £100m reprioritisation points to near‑term asset reliability. Delivery typically proceeds through design, consents and procurement before on‑site works, and sits alongside property‑level resilience and maintenance activity.
Residents and businesses should sign up for Get flood warnings by text, phone or email, use Floodline on 0345 988 1188 for advice, and Check for flooding on GOV.UK for local river levels and alerts. (gov.uk)
Even as rainfall eases, some rivers, moors and levels may continue to rise. Multiple groundwater flood warnings are in force in Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire, and the agency will update plans as forecasts change. (gov.uk)