England’s flood risk remains elevated, according to the Environment Agency, which is maintaining warnings and alerts while unsettled conditions persist. The Agency’s latest figures show 64 flood warnings and 175 flood alerts in force, with rain and snow warnings in place mid‑week.
Somerset continues to face pressure on the Levels and Moors, where significant river impacts remain possible. Multiple groundwater flood warnings remain in force for Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire as saturated aquifers respond to recent rainfall.
Groundwater flooding arises when water held in the ground emerges at the surface. The Environment Agency cautions that it responds slowly, so disruption can persist even after rainfall subsides, with minor impacts possible where levels are still rising in Kent, East Sussex and North Yorkshire.
Operationally, Environment Agency teams are working with local councils, the regional water company and emergency responders to manage impacts and reduce risk. Crews are inspecting and operating defences, clearing vegetation and obstructions in rivers, and erecting temporary barriers where required while levels are monitored around the clock.
Ahead of agreed trigger points, pumps were pre‑deployed across the Somerset Levels and Moors so they could be activated as soon as conditions allowed to stabilise water levels. Deployment has since increased, including at Dunball where new pumps are removing 10 cubic metres of floodwater per second alongside the tide gate; further units will take capacity to 15 cubic metres per second.
Since late January, the Agency estimates that around 340 properties have been recorded as flooded, while more than 22,000 have been protected by defences. These figures remain provisional while teams verify impacts on the ground.
In a statement, Flood Duty Manager Ben Lukey urged the public to stay alert with another band of rain expected. He highlighted the likelihood of significant groundwater impacts in parts of Dorset and Wiltshire, with minor groundwater impacts probable in parts of Hampshire and West Sussex and possible in Kent, East Sussex and North Yorkshire. He reiterated that it is extremely dangerous to drive through floodwater.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy visited Langport, Somerset, to see the effects on residents and local infrastructure and encouraged people to follow local advice to stay safe. She said she remains in regular contact with the Environment Agency as it works with local authorities and emergency services to support communities.
On longer‑term resilience, Hardy highlighted government funding of £10.5 billion to protect a further 900,000 properties by 2036, alongside more than £100 million reprioritised for maintaining existing flood assets. Capital investment builds or upgrades defences, while maintenance spending keeps gates, pumps and embankments operational during events.
For professionals coordinating response in affected areas, the pattern points to prolonged groundwater management even after river peaks, with infiltration into sewers and basements extending operational timelines. Business continuity planning should assume extended road closures and access constraints for care services, deliveries and school transport.
The Environment Agency advises residents and businesses to sign up to receive flood warnings by text, phone or email and to use the Check for flooding service on GOV.UK for local information on river and groundwater levels and expected changes. Floodline is available on 0345 988 1188 for guidance.
The Agency will continue to review operations as forecasts update. Even as rainfall eases, rivers, moors and levels can rise slowly in response to earlier precipitation, keeping local risk elevated for several days.