Weather conditions have steadied, but the Environment Agency says river flooding impacts are still likely following Storm Claudia. The Met Office rain and wind warnings have expired and Sunday is more settled, yet saturated catchments and full channels mean some areas remain at risk. The Agency expects residual, mostly minor, flooding on some larger rivers to continue through to Tuesday 18 November.
As of 13:00 on Sunday 16 November, the Environment Agency reported 26 Flood Warnings, where flooding is expected, and 74 Flood Alerts, where flooding is possible. The Agency has recorded 57 properties flooded so far, including some in Cumbria affected by earlier rainfall, while defences and operational interventions are reported to have protected more than 18,000 properties.
According to the Environment Agency’s duty team, river levels are slowly falling but minor impacts may persist along the Severn, Trent, Ouse and Don, with a broader risk across England and on the Norfolk Broads early next week. Field teams remain deployed to operate defences, check assets and clear debris from trash screens, with temporary barriers erected where required.
For clarity, the Environment Agency’s warning system on GOV.UK uses three tiers. A Flood Alert signals that flooding is possible and people should prepare. A Flood Warning means flooding is expected and immediate action is required to protect life and property. A Severe Flood Warning indicates danger to life and severe disruption. Public safety guidance remains consistent: avoid swollen rivers and never drive through flood water; around 30 centimetres of moving water can float a car.
Coordination follows established civil contingencies arrangements. The Environment Agency is a Category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and works with local authorities, police, fire and ambulance services through Local Resilience Forums. Forecasting and warning are supported by the joint Met Office–Environment Agency Flood Forecasting Centre, with responders now also preparing for ice and freezing conditions as colder air arrives.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy said she remains in regular contact with the Environment Agency on the response. Following reported impacts in Monmouthshire, she has been in touch with the Welsh Government to offer support if needed. Flood risk management is devolved, with Natural Resources Wales responsible in Wales; cross‑border liaison through national arrangements is routine where catchments and communities are connected.
For households and businesses, the next 48 hours are about maintenance and monitoring. Property owners in flood‑prone streets should keep protection equipment available, move valuables and medicines upstairs if asked to act by warnings, and plan travel with ice in mind. Farmers and land managers should avoid working on waterlogged ground and check drains and culverts for blockages where it is safe to do so.
Live information is available via the Check for Flooding and Get Flood Warnings services on GOV.UK, with free alerts by phone, text or email. The Environment Agency also posts operational updates on X via @EnvAgency. Officials will update alerts as conditions change; the immediate advice remains to keep away from riverbanks and never enter flood water.