Maps show 499 flood alerts across England as thousands flee their homes

Weekend begins with warnings still looming after devastating flood

The Environment Agency has warned that the risk of flooding will remain high for many areas on Saturday after a week of relentless rainfall.

More than 1,000 homes and businesses have been left under water, with Nottinghamshire and Gloucestershire among the worst affected areas on Friday.

Water Minister Robbie Moore has moved to reassure flood victims that government officials are 'working around the clock' to make sure that as many homes are protected as possible. But for those forced to evacuate their homes with the dreaded clean-up to come on their return, those words will likely come too late.

Keir Starmer meanwhile pledged a new taskforce to improve flood preparation should Labour win the next election.

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Communities across the country are coming to terms with more flooding (Rowan Griffiths / Daily Mirror)

Bath landmark disappears in floods

The Pulteney Weir, which usually creates a staggered drop in the River Avon as it runs through the city of Bath, completely disappeared today when it was submerged by high water levels.

Pulteney Weir in Bath seems to have lost it's wier! River levels in Bath center are almost at the highest ever recorded and it's been keeping the water rescue teams from Bath and Bristol very busy today. #waterrescue #swiftwater #afrs @AFRSBath pic.twitter.com/njIkV2vq9i

— Bedminster Fire Station (@AFRSBedminster) January 5, 2024

'We've never seen flood water this high'

In the village of Collingham in Noittinghamshire, an 81-year-old woman who has lived in the village for more than 40 years said she had never seen water levels get so high.

She told Nottinghamshire Live: “Years ago it came on Low Street, but I’ve never known it get to the slope on Church Lane,"

"I walk along Trent Lane with my dog and I had to turn back. I thought it would be going down but it’s gone up."

Green comet last seen by Neanderthals 50,000 years ago to fly past earth tonight

Latest Met Office forecast

Colder and drier weather will mark a new phase in the weather on Saturday, according to the latest Met Office forecast.

A chilly but bright start to Saturday morning in the north and west, with sunny spells, a scattering of showers and also a few icy stretches ❕

Staying rather cloudy in the east, with some patchy light rain in places pic.twitter.com/q6WOQp9kMu

— Met Office (@metoffice) January 5, 2024

'Significant flood impacts' expected to remain on Saturday

The Environment Agency has said that it expects "significant flood impacts" on Saturday and beyond despite a drier weather picture emerging.

A prolonged spell of heavy rain means rainwater is still draining into rivers and waterways in many areas, causing levels to rise even after conditions have cleared up.

Stefan Laeger, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said: "Significant river flooding impacts are still expected today and on Saturday across parts of the East Midlands on the River Trent downstream of Nottingham, the River Severn including Gloucester and Tewkesbury and also today in the South West on the River Avon due to the recent prolonged wet weather and intense rainfall.

"Flood impacts are expected to continue over parts of England over the next five days as rivers and groundwater levels remain high, despite a change to drier weather.

"Environment Agency teams are out on the ground, working to minimise the impacts of flooding where possible by operating flood defences and clearing watercourses. So far, more than 44,000 properties have been protected in the last few days.

"We also urge people not to drive though flood water and follow advice of local emergency services on the roads – flood water is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car."

Retirement home evacuated as floodwater rises

Vulnerable people have been evacuated from a retirement home in Wiltshire after floodwater began to rise rapidly around it.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) said around 40 people had been moved out of the Town Mill building in the village of Marlborough as a precuationary measure.

Elderly and vulnerable people have also been given emergency help across the area, and some were taken to safety through flooded streets in boats.

Multiple business and residents in Marlborough, Wiltshire, have been evacuated (SWNS)

Latest map shows hundreds of flood warnings still in force

Over 230 urgent Environment Agency flood warnings were in place across England tonight after several days of heavy rainfall.

Nottinghamshire and Gloucestershire are among the worst affected areas, though river levels are high in all parts of the country. Many people in immediately at-risk areas have been told to prepare to evacuate or have already left their homes.

Flood warning map for January 5

Almost 500 flood alerts and warnings now in place

The Environment Agency currently has nearly 500 alerts out over areas at risk of flooding.

Some 237 warnings have been issued, while a further 261 less serious alerts are in place for areas across the UK. So far, an estimated 1,000 properties across the country have been evacuated over the Storm Henk flooding, with the number of people affected in the thousands.

You can see the full list of flood warnings and check to see if your area has been affected here.

Calls for compensation as farmers to see major losses from floods

The National Farmers' Union has called for compensation as many in the industry face devastating losses as a result of flooding.

Nottinghamshire farmer Peter Gadd believes he has lost up to £15,000 following the floods in recent months, including Storms Babet and Ciaran which hit days after sowing wheat and barley crops - nearly half of which was destroyed.

"Now all that water's got to get away, and many of those ponded areas will have growing crops underneath them at the moment," he said. "So it's going to be quite a while yet before it dries up until we know what we've actually lost. But as an absolute minimum, there's going to be huge losses."

GWR warns of ongoing disruption

Great Western Railway have advised customers that trains are likely to be cancelled at short notice after flooding on railway lines.

Warning of ongoing disruption across their services, a spokesperson said: "We're really sorry for the disruption customers are experiencing today. If you are planning to travel, please check journeys beforehand and travel as early as possible.

"A serious incident near Reading last night, where police closed the railway for several hours, has left trains and crew in the wrong place for the start of service, which alongside localised flooding, continues to hamper our ability to run trains.

"To help customers make their journey, those with tickets for Thursday 4, Friday 5 and Saturday 6 January are able to travel up to and including Monday 8 January.

"Due to the flooding a significantly reduced level of service can only be provided and will be subject to further short-notice cancellations throughout the day."

Localised flooding means the line is closed between Theale and Taunton, and Swindon and Bristol Parkway.

The UK among several countries hit by January flooding

The UK is one of several countries to be hit by severe flooding over the last 24 hours, with similar scenes witnessed in France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Just across the English Channel, the Pas-de-Calais department of northern France remained under orange alert for flooding Friday after days of torrential downpours.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has deployed 200 troops to the Mansfeld-Südharz area of Saxony-Anhalt, where a total of 600,000 sandbags will be deployed to stem floodwater from overflowing rivers.

Officials in the Netherlands have meanwhile insisted that dykes designed to hold back water are "holding" amid higher than usual river levels in the low-lying nation.

Beavers 'hold back floodwater' after building dams

A local charity in Norfolk has credited the local beaver population with slowing the flow of swollen rivers by building dams.

Glaven beavers slowing the flow by holding back floodwaters.

Surely one of our most effective tools in building resilience to #flood conditions. pic.twitter.com/MPwrrMfkwX

— Norfolk Rivers Trust (@N_Rivers_Trust) January 5, 2024

Temperatures to fall below freezing tonight

Overnight temperatures are expected to dive well below freezing tonight in northern parts of the UK as stormy weather is followed swiftly by a cold spell.

Under the clearest skies tonight, mainly in the north and west, temperatures will dip below freezing, leading to the risk of some icy stretches on untreated surfaces ❕ pic.twitter.com/4OkYi8PL25

— Met Office (@metoffice) January 5, 2024

Flood minister admits there could be 'more scrutiny' of development in flood areas

Floods minister Robbie Moore has said local authorities could go "a lot further" when scrutinising planning applications by taking into account the impact of flooding.

He told reporters in Nottinghamshire: "I absolutely believe that whenever planning policy is put in place it absolutely has to take into account the implications on flooding and that's why many housing developments have to go through a scrutiny process to make sure that they are best located to have as minimal impact as possible.

"But I'm also aware that through that planning process local authorities in some places could go a lot further in scrutinising applications much more vigorously that get put in front of them.

'Exceptionally high' rivers after weeks of wet weather

Data from the Environment Agency shows almost every river in England is currently at exceptionally high levels. Some rivers have their highest flow on record, such as the River Itchen in Southampton which saw a flow double its previous record in December.

Caroline Douglass, the agency's flood director, said the Trent has been at "some of the highest levels we've seen in 24 years".

She told BBC Breakfast more than 1,000 properties have been flooded across England this week, with that figure likely to rise.

She added: "Over November and December, following Storm Babet and Storm Ciaran, the ground was incredibly saturated right across the country, particularly in the east.

"But also that's just been topped up over the pre-Christmas period. That rainfall from this week has just added to that, so there's really nowhere for the water to go.

Residents of a market town were rescued from major flooding in Marlborough, Wiltshire (SWNS)

Residents of flood-hit areas describe devastating impact

The village of Longford near Gloucester is one of dozens hit by flooding up and down the UK. One local woman, Emily Baker, told Gloucestershire Live: "Watching my neighbours homes go under water is heart breaking. I want to do all I can to help limit the damage.

"This is difficult with people still driving through the flood water which is infuriating but the community spirit is high with people using inflatable boats to get sandbags to houses."

Emily said the local village hall has opened up its doors for people affected by the water to support affected members of community.

Firefighter's union ask for more funding as 'climate emergency' hits

A firefighter's union have said the widespread floods this week come after a winter of severe weather - and have asked for more funding for fire services to deal with the climate emergency.

Adam Taylor, Fire Brigades Union executive council member for the East Midlands, said: “Firefighters are working in extreme conditions across the Midlands, rescuing people and animals at risk from severe flooding. Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire have been hit particularly hard, with the River Trent declared a major incident due to extreme high water levels.

“Fire services in the worst impacted areas are stretched dangerously thin, as we're seeing in Leicestershire - piling immense pressure on our dedicated firefighters to respond without adequate resources. Flooding is on the rise, and we must have the equipment and emergency crews needed to keep people safe.

"Our services need urgent funding.”

Homes flood for the first time in 100 years

Some houses in Colwick, near Nottingham, have flooded for the first time in 100 years due to the effects of Storm Henk, a local MP has said.

Tom Randall, the Conservative MP for Gedling in Nottinghamshire, said houses in Vale Road had been breached by floodwater for the first time in living memory due to flooding.

A major incident along the River Trent was declared on Thursday, with Mr Randall visiting homes in Colwick with floods minister Robbie Moore and the Nottinghamshire county councillor for Colwick, Mike Adams, on Friday.

Mr Randall said: “It is devastating that properties along Vale Road in Colwick have internally flooded as a result of the heavy rainfall and rising River Trent levels causing the brook on Vale Road to overflow into properties and onto the street.

“I invited the floods minister to visit and talk to the flood-hit residents today. One told us that this is the first time in a 100 years that Vale Road has flooded like this.

“Thankfully, the rain has now stopped and the River Trent levels are dropping which is allowing street drains and the brook to drain onto nearby floodplains and into the Trent.

“Those residents whose houses have sadly flooded can find advice on Nottinghamshire County Council’s website.”

A flood warning has been issued in Nottinghamshire, which has been badly hit by floods (Joseph Raynor/ Nottingham Post)

River perilously high next to Premier League ground

Police have warned fans heading to Nottingham Forest's FA Cup tie with Blackpool tomorrow that roads have been flooded around the City Gound - though the match is set to go ahead as normal.

#NFFC V #Blackpool

14:00 kick off ⚽️⚽️

Please allow a little more time than usual to arrive and access the ground as there is currently some flooding and a lot of standing water around the roads near the ground. @SeasidersPolice pic.twitter.com/f2DtZfRqUN

— NottsPolice Football (@NottPolFootball) January 5, 2024

Flood misery hits homes across the country

Victims of this week's flooding have been forced to wade through their devastated homes in wellies after floodwater came rushing in - with some 1,000 homes thought to be affected.

Pictures taken earlier today showed local resident Paul Cuff assessing the damage his flooded home in Maisemore, Gloucestershire, where the River Severn has burst its banks after several days of heavy rainfall.

Paul Cuff at his flooded home in Maisemore, Gloucestershire (SWNS)

Minister defends flood defence spending

Flood minister Robbie Moore MP has said the Government has "absolutely" provided enough money for flood prevention.

He said a "huge" amount of flooding has been seen across parts of England this week, and confirmed that the Environment Agency were working with local authorities to provide support to homeowners.

He said: “I’ve been out with the Environment Agency today who are working incredibly hard. Their teams are working throughout the day, all around the clock, throughout the night at the moment across the country.

“In those hard hit areas we’ve experienced a huge amount of flooding, a huge amount of rain, not only here in Nottinghamshire but down in the Severn Valley in Gloucestershire, as well.

“And I know that they are interacting with MPs but also local authorities to make sure that we are providing as much of that immediate impact that we need to do to protect homes and to make sure that we’re providing that reassurance to homeowners.

“But also, this is backed up by the amount of funding that we are putting into our flood resilience plans, we’ve doubled that, we’re doing £5.2 billion over the next cycle to better protect homes that have been impacted by these consequences.”

Horses make their way across a flooded field near Sandhurst, Gloucestershire (SWNS)

More than 1,000 homes flooded

More than 1,000 properties across England have been flooded this week, the Environment Agency has said.

Hundreds of flood warnings and alerts remained in place on Friday afternoon, despite generally improving weather conditions, as rainwater from Storm Henk continues to drain into rivers.

The Environment Agency said ongoing impacts are likely across much of England over the next few days because the ground is “completely saturated”.

Flood water outside a home in Hoveringham, Nottinghamshire (Joseph Raynor/ Nottingham Post)

Major disruption to Great Western Railway

Great Western Railway passengers have told to check before they travel and leave as early as possible amid major disruption to services from flooding.

A statement from the train operator read: "Flooding and a serious incident near Reading last night, which involved police taking control of the line, has left trains and crew in the wrong place.

"Short-notice cancellations and a reduced level of service on long-distance routes are expected throughout the day."

Keir Starmer pledges new flood taskforce

Labour leader Keir Starmer has offered his sympathy to people who have been hit by flooding across the UK today - and has pledged to introduce a new flood defences taskforce should his party be elected to power.

He wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "My heart goes out to everyone devastated by floods.

"I thank the emergency services for their tireless work. Labour's Flood Resilience Taskforce will make sure flood defences are in the right places, and fit for purpose. People’s lives shouldn’t be upended by extreme rain."

Ice threat after flooding as drivers urged to be careful

An expected cold spell means river levels may go down over the next 48 hours - but there is a risk of roads becoming icy following flooding, an Environment Agency spokeswoman has said.

Alex McDonald, speaking near the river Trent in Nottingham, said: “It’s good news for river levels, because it will mean that they’ll be able to go down, the River Trent’s going to stay high for a couple of days and that’s going to make its way towards a Humber.

“I’d really urge people to be really careful when they’re out and about, if there’s standing water and we get freezing weather then there’s a big risk on the road, so please be really careful when you’re out and about.”

Floods in Marlborough, Wiltshire, where residents have been evacuated after homes were engulfed in several feet of water (Daniel Jae Webb/SWNS)

UK 'feeling the effects of climate change' in floods

An Environment Agency spokeswoman has said the the UK is “feeling the effects” of climate change and that greater flood resilience is needed across the country.

Alex McDonald, speaking near the swollen river Trent in Nottingham, told the PA news agency: “We’re seeing a large number of big events, and this winter has been particularly bad since October onwards.

“We are feeling the effects of climate change in the East Midlands, and as a nation we need to be more resilient to flooding.

“So we need to look at how we can work with communities to build that better, to help install property flood resilience measures to people’s homes, to make sure people are signed up to flood warnings and understand their risks and look at how we can work with local authorities around flood protection measures we can offer to communities."

Terrifying weather maps show UK to be hit by -7C Arctic blast

Brits have been warned to wear their warmest clothes this weekend as temperatures are set to plunge to as low as -8C.

The Met Office has shared there will be a stark drop in conditions from Saturday before areas are struck with an increase of frost, fog and ice from next week.

Forecasters stressed that the sudden change in weather will be "noticeable".

Read more here.

Narrow boat drama on flooded river

A narrow boat has been left wedged under a road bridge over the River Soar after being swept away by flooding in Barrow-on-Soar. The river is more than twice its usual height at the village in Leicestershire, and appeared to have reached a record level of 2.5m on Friday.

A narrow boat swept away by flooding in Barrow-on-Soar (Getty Images)

Flooding on the River Thames

Heavy rainfall has seen the River Thames burst its banks at multiple points along its 214-mile route.

The market town of Wallingford in Oxfordshire was one of several in the area to see roads and cars submerged in floodwater on Friday, while the Bar & Co party boat moored at Temple Pier in London has sunk into the water.

The Bar & Co boat moored at Temple Pier, London, sank in the River Thames (PA)

Everywhere in UK hit by cold weather warnings

The torrential rain that has battered parts of the UK over the new year’s period will ease soon with many regions turning clear, dry and cold over the weekend.

An area of high pressure looks likely to become established over the UK for the next few days, resulting in a change in the weather and a move to a colder, drier and more settled period for most Brits, the Met Office has said.

“The transition to lower temperatures will be noticeable over the weekend. It will become rather cold next week with lower-than-average temperatures across much of the UK, accentuated by brisk easterly winds in the south,” said Jason Kelly, a Chief Forecaster at the Met Office.

Read more here.

Brits have been warned that icy conditions are due following the flooding of recent days (PA)