The Environment Agency issued a Severe Flood Warning for Ironbridge, Shropshire on 21 February 2022, citing extremely high river levels on the River Severn that were threatening to over-top flood barriers1. Properties along The Wharfage in Ironbridge were at a very high risk of flooding, with fast-flowing water from the river expected to flood the area later that day1.
The Agency said it had deployed temporary flood barriers along The Wharfage at the weekend, which were expected to divert the majority of the flood water, but that there was still a high risk that some water would breach the top of the defence1. It said the high river levels were the result of back-to-back storms and continued heavy rain1. The Agency issues Severe Flood Warnings when there is an imminent risk of flooding and threat to life, and residents were strongly urged to evacuate their homes in advance of the flood, supported by the police and councils1.
Environment Agency Area Duty Manager for Shropshire Jim Kitchen said:
"Heavy rain, affecting already wet areas, is likely to cause significant river flooding along the River Severn for several days."
He added that teams were out on the ground taking preventative action and working with other agencies to support people who need to evacuate their homes1. The Agency advised people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through flood water, stating that just 30 centimetres of flowing water is enough to move a car1.
Why it matters for households
The warning applied to properties along The Wharfage in Ironbridge, with flooding expected later on 21 February 2022, and the Agency said significant river flooding along the River Severn was likely to continue for several days1. The Agency urged residents to sign up to its Flood Warning messages and to follow its "Prepare, Act, Survive" guidance: prepare a bag that includes medical and insurance documents; check the latest flood situation online; know how to turn off gas, electricity and water; check insurance covers flood damage, with renters responsible for insuring their belongings; and, if flooded, call 999 if in immediate danger and follow advice from emergency services1. The Agency's warning levels and what they mean are set out in the guide to flood alerts, flood warnings and severe flood warnings, and the steps the Agency lists for households are covered in the checklist when a flood warning is issued. River flooding of this kind is described in the guide to types of flooding, and barrier checks are set out in storing and checking flood barriers.
What happens next
The Agency said river flooding along the River Severn was likely for several days and that teams were working with other agencies to support people who need to evacuate their homes1. No further update, and no date for lifting the warning, has been reported.
Flood Alerts and Flood Warnings
Flood Warning Checklist
Types of Flooding
