Government's 170 flood alerts mapped as Brits face threat to life and homes amid torrential rain

The Environment Agency has issued more than 170 flood alerts throughout England as torrential rain sweeps through the UK. With over 3,500 measuring stations across rivers and the coast, many Brits have been told to brace themselves for a drenching that could trigger floods.

There are currently 30 flood warnings and 176 flood alerts, with warnings being more severe than alerts. According to the Environment Agency, there will be “local flooding from rivers is possible across parts of the Upper Thames area until Friday”.

The government agency added: “Local flooding from rivers and surface water is expected across parts of South West of England on Wednesday and possibly more widely on Wednesday and Thursday. River flooding is probable on parts of the River Severn from Friday and into the weekend.

“Local groundwater flooding is possible throughout this week in the Malton area of North Yorkshire, and in south Dorset from Friday. Land, roads and some properties will flood and there will be travel disruption.”

Flood alerts and warnings mapped

The Environment Agency regularly updates its alerts and warnings to reflect ever-changing weather conditions. Here, the agency has provided a handy map you can use to see if you’re likely to flood.

For a better look, you can see a more detailed view of the map here. Alternatively, you can enter your address here to check if you’re at risk of flooding.

Represented in red, flood warnings are used to warn that flooding is expected and that individuals and organisations should take immediate action to protect themselves and/or their property. Meanwhile, amber flood alerts are used to warn of the possibility of flooding.

It is issued earlier than a flood warning, to give advance notice of the possibility of flooding, but before the Environment Agency is fully confident that flooding in Flood Warning Areas is expected.

Met Office weather warnings

Currently, there is a yellow weather warning across parts of England for Wednesday, February 21 and Thursday, February 22. On Thursday, the warnings are for rain and wind in south-east England, meaning there is a “slight chance” of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses.

There is also a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings. An update on whether the warning will continue onto Friday is expected to come later on Wednesday or early on Thursday.