Environment Agency protects thousands from flood devastation as Storm Eunice batters the Severn Estuary

Hundreds of Environment Agency officers prepare barriers and pumps over the weekend ready to protect communities to ensure more than 2,000 homes and businesses along Severn Estuary avoid devastation of flooding

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.

NEWS CATEGORIES

LATEST NEWS

Becky Wood appointed as Chief Executive Officer of NISTA

The National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) has announced the appointment of Becky Wood as its new Chief Executive Officer. Last October, Chief Secretary...

Mike Davis to stand down as Dŵr Cymru’s Chief Finance Officer

Dŵr Cymru, the not-for-profit water utility, has announced that Mike Davis is standing down from his role as Chief Finance Officer (CFO) and Executive...

Development consent granted for Cambridge Waste Water Treatment Plant Relocation Project

The Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, has granted development consent...

M Group makes transformative move into the technology solutions market by acquiring Telent

M Group has announced the acquisition of Telent, a leading provider of operational technology and digital solutions for critical national infrastructure across the UK...