Prepare for Storm Ciarán

People are being urged to prepare for possible significant inland flooding impacts today and tomorrow due to Storm Ciaran and further heavy rainfall expected to follow, with some significant coastal flooding impacts also possible but not expected today.

Wind remains the biggest threat from the storm, but there are various areas at risk of flooding from rainfall.

The south coast can expect strong winds and large waves today, with potential flooding of roads and infrastructure close to the sea. The road to Portland is now closed.

Across the country, some river levels remain high and the ground saturated.

As of 12.30am on 2 November 2023, there are 82 flood warnings, meaning flooding is expected, and 197 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible, in place across England.

Ben Lukey, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said:

Large waves and onshore gales brought by Storm Ciarán saw some flooding along parts of the south coast today.  Further significant flooding along the south coast is possible this evening with minor impacts possible along parts of the coasts of Yorkshire and the North East.

Significant surface water and river flooding are also possible more widely today, while minor impacts for parts of the South East are probable on Saturday due to further rain or showers.

Environment Agency teams are out on the ground operating assets, working with partners and present in those communities that have experienced flooding, looking to minimise the impact on residents.

We urge people to stay safe on the coast and to remember to take extreme care on coastal paths and promenades. Flooding of low-lying coastal roads is also possible and people must avoid driving through flood water, as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.

People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation at https://www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-at-risk-of-flooding and follow @EnvAgency on X, formerly known as Twitter, for the latest flood updates.

Following discussions with Unison, EA staff will no longer take part in the four days of industrial action initially planned to begin 0700 on Friday, November 3.

The Environment Agency’s response to the flooding caused by Storm Babet saw an estimated 97,000 properties protected. Twenty high volume pumps and five small volume pumps were deployed across several sites. During the storm, the Environment Agency’s flood warning service sent out more than 300,000 messages by email, telephone and text.

Tragically, a number of deaths have been widely reported and, sadly, the total number of properties reported to have been flooded during Storm Babet currently stands at approximately 2,150. We will work to understand if more could be done to better protect these properties in future.

The Environment Agency worked round the clock with its partners to help reduce the risk. Teams operated flood defences, flood storage reservoirs and put up temporary barriers where needed to help protect communities.

The Government has also announced that support will be available to areas in England that have experienced exceptional localised flooding through the activation of the Flood Recovery Framework scheme.

The public should sign up to flood warnings and check the latest safety advice as tidal flooding is possible and heavy downpours are likely to fall on saturated ground.