The Environment Agency issued 40 flood alerts across the Midlands, Yorkshire and the South East on Thursday morning, meaning flooding is possible in affected areas. The alerts follow thunderstorms and torrential rain that left homes underwater after weeks of scorching summer weather.
Homes damaged in Birmingham
Homes have already been damaged after heavy downpours caused significant flooding in parts of Birmingham on Wednesday evening. West Midlands Fire Service was called to flooding affecting 32 properties close to the Tame Valley canal, with seven fire engines sent to the scene.
One resident, Ryan Goodwin, said his conservatory was submerged in around three feet of water, while his living room was also damaged. He said: "About 7.30pm I got home, I was in the car with the kids and I thought I don’t want to get out yet, there’s too many puddles here. Then in a matter of about half an hour it was just a river coming round the corner, all the way down the road."
Rainfall and warnings
Mr Goodwin said water had made its way underneath the laminate flooring in his front room and caused the electricity to go off. He added: "The neighbours" carpet and sofa and everything got wet as well. Down the road they have two hills running into the corner, it was halfway up their doors, so I think we got a bit lucky here, really."
Staffordshire recorded 60mm of rainfall in 12 hours, while river levels were also reported to be rising rapidly in parts of Nottinghamshire. Thunderstorms are sweeping across England and Wales, with forecasters warning some places could see as much as 75mm of rain within just 12 hours.
Drought continues
A yellow thunderstorm warning covering parts of the Midlands, eastern and southern England, the North West, Yorkshire and Wales remains in place until 10pm on Thursday. Another yellow warning covering Lincolnshire, parts of eastern England and Yorkshire, as well as Kent and Medway, runs from 5pm on Thursday until 7am on Friday.
The dramatic change in conditions follows a summer dominated by extreme heat and drought, with five heatwaves recorded across the UK. Despite the downpours, 71.3% of England remains in drought, according to the Environment Agency.
Chief executive Philip Duffy said: "A few days or even weeks of wetter weather cannot reverse the impacts of several months of exceptionally dry conditions. Today’s yellow thunderstorm warnings show it’s possible to experience simultaneous drought and flood as heavy rain falls on compacted soils."
