Environment Agency Urges Caution As Storm Ciara Rolls In

People should be vigilant and stay safe along the coast this weekend as strong winds are expected to cause large waves and spray.

There are currently more than 190 flood warnings and around 170 flood alerts in place across the country as Storm Ciara brings heavy rain and wind to parts of England.

The Met Office has issued several severe weather warnings for strong winds as Storm Ciara approaches this weekend.

The Environment Agency has staff on the ground checking defences and is urging people to be safe when out on the coast as the strong winds could result in large waves, spray and increased flood risk along England’s coastline.

Chris Wilding, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

"With Storm Ciara approaching, localised river and surface water flooding is possible across parts of the North of England this weekend, with possible flooding affecting wider parts of England. However, the overall flood risk remains low.

"Coastal flooding is also possible over the coming days and into next week as high tides combine with strong winds, large waves and spray. We advise people to check their flood risk, stay safe and avoid activities such as storm selfies.

"Environment Agency staff are on the ground checking defences and assets across the weekend, clearing debris from trash screens and are ready to deploy temporary flood barriers if necessary. Sign up for their free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest safety advice, call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or follow @EnvAgency on Twitter for the latest flood updates."