The Environment Agency issued a Severe Flood Warning for Beales Corner in Bewdley, Worcestershire on 21 February 2022, saying that extremely high river levels on the River Severn were threatening to over-top temporary flood barriers1. Properties in Beales Corner were described as at very high risk of flooding, with the area expected to flood on Tuesday 22 February and a peak expected on Wednesday 23 February1.
The agency said the high river levels were the result of back-to-back storms and continued heavy rain1. Teams had been working throughout the weekend to deploy temporary flood barriers at Beales Corner, but the agency said there was still a high risk that water levels would overtop the barrier1. It said it had been working with local authorities over the past year to ensure resilient measures were in place should the barrier need to be deployed, including re-surfacing the road and maintaining the drains1.
The Environment Agency issues Severe Flood Warnings when there is an imminent risk of flooding and threat to life1. Residents were strongly urged to evacuate their homes during the flood and were being supported by the police and councils1.
"We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through flood water as just 30 centimetres of flowing water is enough to move your car."
Under its "Prepare, Act, Survive" guidance, the agency listed preparing a bag that includes medical and insurance documents, knowing how to turn off gas, electricity and water, and checking insurance cover for flood damage; it noted that if you rent your home, it is your responsibility to have insurance for your belongings1. It also said residents are urged to sign up to Environment Agency Flood Warning messages, and that anyone flooded should call 999 if in immediate danger and follow advice from emergency services1.
| Item | Detail given by the Environment Agency1 |
|---|---|
| Warning location | Beales Corner, Bewdley, Worcestershire |
| River | Severn |
| Issued | 21 February 2022 |
| Expected flooding | Tuesday 22 February |
| Expected peak | Wednesday 23 February |
| Cause | Back-to-back storms and continued heavy rain |
| Barrier status | Temporary barriers deployed over the weekend; high risk of overtopping |
Why it matters for households
The warning applied to properties in Beales Corner specifically, with flooding expected from 22 February and a peak on 23 February1. The agency's stated threshold for a Severe Flood Warning is imminent risk of flooding and threat to life, and residents were urged to evacuate with support from police and councils1. Its advice covered staying away from swollen rivers, not driving through flood water, signing up to flood warning messages, and the preparation steps above1. The agency said heavy rain affecting already wet areas was likely to cause significant river flooding along the River Severn for several days1. The guide to Flood Alerts, Flood Warnings and Severe Flood Warnings sets out what each level means, and the checklist for when a flood warning is issued covers household preparation. Background on how river flooding develops is in types of flooding, and the flooding guide covers the wider household picture.
What happens next
The agency said a peak on the River Severn was expected on Wednesday 23 February, and that significant river flooding along the Severn was likely for several days1. No further update beyond the 21 February statement has been reported.
Flood Alerts and Flood Warnings
Flood Warning Checklist
Types of Flooding
