Flood warning for this weekend (From Northwich Guardian)
Send us news, start your message Cheshire News and your send photos and videos to 80360
Environment Agency warns up to 100mm of rain could fall this weekend
4:42pm Thursday 5th July 2012 in News
The Environment Agency is warning that there could be a risk of flooding from rivers and surface water during Friday and Saturday. Latest forecasts show that up to 100mm of rain could fall in the region starting at 5am tomorrow morning.
The exact locations of the bad weather are unknown at the stage, however a weather system of thunder showers and slow moving bands of rain is likely to affect Northern and Eastern parts of Lancashire and Greater Manchester as well as South Cumbria.
This forecast could change closer to the time and this does not mean that other areas will not be affected.
We are urging the public to remain vigilant, check local weather forecasts, and the Environment Agency website for information.
The Environment Agency has mobilised teams across the North to check and clear any river blockages and closely monitor river levels.
We are also working with local partners to ensure that surface water flooding is minimised where possible.
Over 5.5 million, or one in six, properties are at risk of flooding from all types of floods across England and Wales.
We can't prevent flooding entirely, but we can reduce the risks of flooding.
By working with our partners and people at risk of flooding, we can minimise it’s effects and reduce the damage it causes.
Surface water flooding happens when the local drainage system cannot cope with rainfall. It is extremely difficult to predict precisely where surface water flooding will happen as it depends on ground levels, the amount of rainfall, and the local drainage network.
Steve Moore, Director of the Environment Agency in the North West region said: “Our latest forecasts show that over the next 36 hours, some parts of the North West region could experience very heavy rainfall.
"We are experiencing a period of very unsettled weather and, where necessary, our teams are out monitoring river levels and ensuring that blockages to rivers and drains are removed.”
