Early action by the Environment Agency has protected thousands of homes and businesses along the Severn Estuary from the devastation of flooding as Storm Eunice hit the West.
Environment Agency operatives worked around the clock to make sure flood defences along the estuary were braced for the tidal surge caused by the gale force winds on Friday morning.
Powerful flood defences and gates at Avonmouth, Lydney, Sharpness and Epney worked to deflect the full force of the tidal surge along 80 miles of the estuary and reduced the risk of flooding to nearby communities.
Preparations included:
- More than 100 Environment Agency staff out on tidal watch at critical points to ensure flood barriers were prepared for the worst of the tidal surge
- 15 high-volume pumps were ready to be deployed from the Environment Agency’s Gloucester Depot
- 10 Severe Flood Warnings issued by the Environment Agency urging people to take action
Environment Agency Operations Manager Anthony Perry said:
“The predicted tidal surge along the Severn Estuary from Storm Eunice had the potential to have a significant impact on properties along the Severn Estuary and we took every precaution to make sure we were prepared for the worst scenario the storm could bring.
“Our flood defences stood up to the challenge and provided valuable protection to more than 2,000 homes and businesses along the estuary.
“Without the investment of these defences many communities could have been flooded and faced weeks before being able to return to their homes. Instead, residents faced minimal disruption and businesses are able to carry on their operations.”
You can check your flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation at https://www.gov.uk/check-flood-risk, call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or follow @EnvAgency on Twitter for the latest flood updates.
