More floods set for saturated areas (From Swindon Advertiser)

More floods set for saturated areas

4:06pm Friday 13th July 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

Warnings of yet more flooding have been issued as some areas face downpours which could see almost a month's rain fall in just a few hours.

The Environment Agency said people across central and eastern England should remain on alert for possible floods as heavy thunderstorms are forecast for many areas later on Friday and on Saturday.

The agency said much of Wales was also at high risk of flooding overnight and into Saturday.

The Met Office has issued another severe weather warning of heavy rain for parts of the Midlands, southern and eastern England and Wales, forecasting that many areas will see between 20mm and 30mm (0.8 to 1.2 inches) of rain.

Some parts could see up to 60mm (2.4 inches), almost the total average for the month of July, over a few hours.

The potentially intense showers on ground that is already saturated by months of rain could lead to surface water flooding, when the local drainage system cannot cope with rainfall, and possible river flooding.

The Environment Agency said river flooding could prove a problem particularly in parts of the Midlands and East Anglia, while there continued to be a risk of flooding from rising groundwater across parts of Dorset.

Miles Butler, director for environmental services at Dorset County Council, said: "The floods that hit Dorset this week were extraordinary. All agencies have worked together throughout the week to help people protect their homes, to get roads open and to keep essential services running."

Robin Herringshaw, the Highways Agency's emergency planning manager in the South West, said: "It is hoped that the flood water will continue to drain away, however more heavy rain is forecast in the next few days. We are working closely with all our partners to monitor weather conditions and maintain safe roads and reliable journeys.

"Drivers should plan their journeys before setting out, check weather conditions, leave extra time for their journeys if travel conditions are poor, and delay their journey if the weather becomes severe."