The Environment Agency is warning people to remain vigilant as flooding continues in England where the number of properties which have flooded has now reached the 2,000 mark.

Significant river flooding impacts are expected to continue into today in parts of the Midlands, Lincolnshire and on the River Thames, due to the recent prolonged wet weather and intense rainfall.

Parts of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire have seen increased river levels over the past 24 hours, with areas of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire continuing to also be impacted.

While108 flood warnings have been removed in the last 24 hours, 152 flood warnings and 152 flood alerts are in place. Environment Agency teams are out on the ground with other emergency responders operating around temporary pumps, barriers and flood defences to help reduce impacts.

The Agency said that so far, more than 62,000 properties have been protected from flooding caused by Storm Henk.

The EA went on to warn that while risks are likely to start reducing, ongoing flood impacts are also likely across much of England over the next five days as some larger rivers slowly respond to recent and forecast rain. Many rivers are elevated and will remain so for several days.

Katharine Smith, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

“Significant river flooding impacts are still expected today and over the next few days across parts of the river Thames in Oxfordshire as well as the River Trent near Nottingham and the River Severn including Gloucester. The prolonged wet weather and intense rainfall has led to flooding impacts and our thoughts are with all of those affected.

“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 62,000 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.”