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Revealed by satellite: Severe floods as River Severn peaks

11:30
5 January 2024

Revealed by satellite
Severe floods as River Severn peaks

Comparison of floodingSatellite imagery shows the extent of flooding in the West Midlands this week in the aftermath of Storm Henk. - © NASA

The full scope of flooding in the UK this week has been displayed by new satellite images showing severe floods along the River Severn.

Released by NASA, the imagery highlights vast flooding in rural parts of the West Midlands after the arrival of Storm Henk kickstarted a week of heavy rain.

In some places, the Severn breached its river banks in more populated areas. Including the town of Ironbridge, where flood defences helped avoid the worst-case situation but still saw properties flooded as the river reached a height of 6.35 m early Friday morning.

Flooded streetFlooded cricket groundflooded pubFlood defences
1/4
Floodwater runs through Ratcliffe-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire after a major incident was declared. - © picture alliance

In Nottinghamshire, a 'major incident' was declared on Thursday due to the River Trent reaching close to a record-high.

The village of Ratcliffe-on-Trent saw residents of a static caravan park evacuated on Thursday after flood water rendered some mobile homes inaccessible.

Property flooding

The Environment Agency say that more than 1,000 properties in England have been flooded this week.

Evacuations also took place in Hackney Wick, East London, where around 50 people were forced to take action after canal water surged into residential streets.

As of Friday morning, more than 270 flood warnings, indicating flooding is expected, remain in force across England.

Although rainfall has eased, saturated soil in many southern areas means that it only takes a little rainfall for surface flooding to develop while rivers remain at elevated levels.

Both South Western Railway and Great Western Railway report disruption to their rail networks, while surface flooding is also impacting road traffic.

To see what the weather has in store for you, check the WeatherRadar at any time.

Tips: Preparing for a floodread more
Ryan Hathaway
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