Two flood alerts have been issued for Leicestershire as heavy rain is expected to coincide with severe winds which are predicted to batter the county today (Wednesday, January 1). The Environment Agency began issuing alerts last night, warning that flooding was possible in several areas.
River levels are forecast to rise at the Pillings Lock river gauge on the River Soar near Loughborough, with flooding of property and farmland possible between 9am and midday today. The Met Office has also issued a yellow weather warning for strong winds across the East Midlands region, with gusts of up to 60mph expected.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “Areas most at risk are low-lying agricultural land and roads including Slash Lane at Sileby and the Mountsorrel to Sileby road and Sileby Mill road, and farmlands at Cossington, Sileby, Barrow, Quorndon and Cotes.”
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A second flood alert covers Leicester city’s tributaries including Willow, Evington, Bushby, Thurnby, Scraptoft, Melton and Braunstone Brooks. Flooding of roads and farmland was expected to begin between midnight and 6am this morning.
The Met Office warning will remain in force between 9am today and 6am tomorrow (January 2), as a deep area of low pressure moves across the UK. Forecasters warn flying debris could pose a risk to life and cause injuries during the severe weather.
The Environment Agency said it is closely monitoring the situation, with incident response staff liaising with emergency services and patrolling watercourses. River levels are expected to remain high until tomorrow (January 2).
Residents are advised to avoid using low-lying footpaths near watercourses and to plan driving routes to avoid potentially flooded roads. The Met Office has also advised people to check for loose items outside their homes, including bins, garden furniture and trampolines.
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