Storm Claudia: England flood alerts, warnings explained
Calmer skies after Storm Claudia can be misleading. The Environment Agency says river flooding remains likely across parts of England today, even though the Met Office rain and wind warnings have expired. As of 1pm on Sunday, the Agency listed 26 Flood Warnings (flooding expected) and 74 Flood Alerts (flooding possible).
The recent downpours caused disruption in several counties. The Environment Agency reports that 57 properties have flooded so far, including some in Cumbria affected by earlier rainfall, while more than 18,000 properties have been protected by flood defences and Agency interventions. Officers are out today clearing debris, inspecting assets and putting up temporary barriers where needed.
Let's make the terms clear because they guide your decisions. A Flood Alert is an early heads-up for an area: flooding is possible, so be prepared, move valuables, and keep an eye on updates. A Flood Warning is targeted to specific places: flooding is expected, so act now, move people and pets to safety, and follow local instructions. There is also a Severe Flood Warning for danger to life; you should treat that as an emergency.
Safety advice remains practical. Do not drive through flood water; it is often deeper and faster than it looks and can stall or sweep away vehicles. Keep away from swollen rivers and stay off flood defences and barriers. With colder weather moving in, look out for ice on roads and pavements, and check on neighbours who may need help.
River levels are slowly falling, but minor flooding impacts may continue on the Severn, Trent, Ouse and Don, according to Environment Agency Flood Duty Manager Sarah Cook. Wider effects are possible across parts of England and on the Norfolk Broads early next week, with some larger rivers likely to stay high through to Tuesday.
How does the warning system decide when to issue an alert? Teams combine Met Office forecasts with river and tide gauges, soil saturation and local reports. When thresholds are met, alerts and warnings are issued for specific catchments, while flood defences are operated to reduce risk. Numbers can change quickly as new data arrives.
On the ground, Environment Agency staff are operating defences, checking embankments and pumping stations, clearing trash screens so water can flow, and erecting temporary barriers where they will help most. These actions are designed to protect homes and infrastructure, and the public is asked to keep clear of worksites for safety.
Preparation takes minutes and is free. You can check your flood risk on GOV.UK at Link sign up for free flood warnings at Link and follow @EnvAgency on X for updates. If it's easier, search 'check my flood risk' and use the official service.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy says she is in regular contact with the Agency on the response. Following the impacts in Monmouthshire, she has been in touch with the Welsh Government to offer support if needed. Her advice matches the Agency's: keep following local guidance, avoid driving through flood water and stay prepared by signing up for warnings.
If you're learning or teaching about this, try a quick activity: find your nearest river on the Agency's map, note whether your area has an Alert or a Warning, and write the three actions you would take today. Understanding what each alert means helps us act early and protect each other when storms pass but rivers stay high.