Suffolk County Council warned on 21 October 2023 that flood water levels in East Suffolk have not necessarily hit their peak, despite rain easing in the county, and that a major incident remains in place1.
The council said flood water entering Suffolk's rivers is flowing downstream towards the coast faster than expected, at a rate similar to that seen during a snow melt, meaning water levels could rise before they drop1. It urged residents and businesses, especially those close to waterways, to follow flood warnings and alerts from the Environment Agency closely and to take action if advised1. People are no longer being asked to travel only if absolutely necessary, but are being urged to drive with caution1.
The council's public safety advice covers driving and water:
"Don't drive through flood water. Just one egg cup of water is enough to wreck your engine"
The council also advised drivers to keep alert for surface water, drive according to the conditions, increase the distance from the vehicle in front and be prepared to back off if visibility gets worse; to be aware of debris left on roads by the flood water; and to return to abandoned vehicles and retrieve them where it is safe to do so1. It said people should avoid playing or swimming in flood water, because it can contain hidden dangers such as lifted manhole covers, sharp objects, sewage and chemicals1.
No figures for properties flooded, people evacuated or rainfall totals in Suffolk have been reported in the council's announcement1.
Why it matters for households
Households in East Suffolk, particularly those close to waterways, are affected while the major incident remains in place1. The council's warning means river levels near the coast could still rise even though the rain has eased, so the risk period is not over1. The Environment Agency's flood warnings and alerts are the basis on which the council says residents and businesses should act, and households can sign up to receive flood warnings1. The council's travel position has changed: the request to travel only if absolutely necessary has been lifted, but caution while driving is still urged1. The council's advice on road debris, abandoned vehicles and flood water is directed at people in the affected area1.
What happens next
The council says a major incident is still in place in Suffolk, and that people should follow Environment Agency flood warnings and alerts and take action if advised1. No date has been given for when the major incident will be stood down1.
Sources (1)
- suffolk.gov.uk, suffolk.gov.uk
Flood Alerts and Flood Warnings
Flood Warning Checklist
