Heavy flooding continued across parts of England on Thursday, prompting a major incident declaration in Nottinghamshire and leaving communities in Gloucestershire nearly surrounded by water. Storm Henk’s wind and rain persisted through the night, causing widespread disruption.
Residents in Shrewsbury were evacuated, parts of Worcester were submerged, and authorities warned people near the River Trent to prepare for possible evacuation.
Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire faced severe flooding, with numerous roads impassable and a dedicated rest center set up for evacuees.
By Thursday evening, over 550 flood warnings and alerts were in effect across England and Wales, with the Environment Agency reporting around 450 flooded properties this week.
Flooding had significant impacts in the Midlands, South, and East of England, with ongoing minor issues expected as larger rivers respond to recent rainfall.
Shropshire’s Boat Inn submerged; landlord reports worst flooding seen in decades.The Met Office issued a yellow severe weather warning for heavy rain affecting the West Country, southern England, London, and East Anglia, lasting until 3 am Friday.
Flooding had closed roads, stranding residents and complicating evacuation efforts. In Radcliffe-on-Trent, locals experienced the worst flooding since 2000, with several homes losing power.
Mario Thomas, landlord of the Boat Inn in Shropshire, reported severe flooding that had worsened since December, calling it the worst he’s seen.
Tragically, an 87-year-old driver died after colliding with a fallen tree in Oxfordshire, a tree that had been reported to police 90 minutes before the accident.
This incident, along with the death of another driver in Gloucestershire earlier in the week, led to a referral of Thames Valley Police to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Flooding also affected agriculture, with several cows drowning in Derbyshire. Additionally, strong winds and heavy rain, with up to 60 mph gusts, further complicated the situation.
Great Western Railway advised against travel due to flooding, and the Environment Agency is investigating a raw sewage spill from a flooded treatment plant in Surrey.