Northants Braces For Flooding
20 December 2012, 17:54 | Updated: 20 December 2012, 18:06
The Environment Agency says Northamptonshire is one of the counties most at risk of flooding over the next 3-4 days.
The Environment Agency says Northamptonshire is one of the counties most at risk of flooding over the next 3-4 days. They update their flood guidance every 15 minutes on their website www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods and you can follow the Environment Agency on Twitter at @EnvAgencyAnglia.
A multi-agency planning meeting took place this afternoon (Thursday 20 December) to put in place plans for potential flooding following recent heavy rainfall across Northamptonshire.
A flood warning for Cogenhoe Caravan Park has already been issued by the Environment Agency and it is anticipated that a further flood warning for Billing Aquadrome will be issued within the next 24 hours.
Norman Robinson from the Environment Agency said: “We have seen considerable rainfall over the past 24 hours and, while a drier Friday is forecast and will help the situation, further heavy rain is expected over the weekend, which will make the situation in the county difficult up to and beyond Christmas. We are asking that everyone remains vigilant and encourage people to check the latest situation on our website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods.”
Superintendent Gary Ashton from Northamptonshire Police, said: “The multi-agency group will continue to work together to ensure a coordinated response to the weather we have been experiencing and the risk of flooding this is presenting, and we now have plans in place and ready for immediate implementation should the situation worsen over the Christmas and New Year period."
Whilst the Environment Agency is monitoring the situation on the river, the emergency services want to stress the danger of flood waters and considerable standing water around the county.
Superintendent Ashton added: “There is also potential for localised flooding and we strongly urge people to avoid flood and standing water, as some of the water can be very deep and potentially dangerous and also conceal hidden dangers such as open drains. Drivers should take extra care on the roads and observe any road closure signs due to flooding. It’s also important that boat owners remain vigilant and be mindful of where they are mooring up, avoiding proximity to flood plains.”
Mark Ainge from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue added: “With the recent wet weather that has hit the county and the forecast of more, it is essential motorist do not put themselves in danger. Water is very unpredictable and can be extremely dangerous. Extra time and care should be taken when having to make journeys in wet weather and would encourage people to note the advice below.”
- Is the journey absolutely necessary?
- Check the weather forecast prior to setting off
- Plan your route carefully, avoid known flood hotspots
- Keep your speed low
- Keep your distance from the vehicle in front
- Do not enter deep water
- Remember your mobile phone
- If you do find yourself stuck in water call the emergency services immediately and remember your exact location.
- Do not take unnecessary risks
The Environment Agency, Northamptonshire Police, Northamptonshire County Council, local borough and district councils, NHS partners and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue will continue to work closely over the Christmas period and further multi-agency meeting is due to be held at police headquarters in the morning.
Further flood advice can also be found at www.northamptonshire.gov.uk.