• Severe Flood Warning issued for Beales Corner as River Severn level expected to rise further
• High river levels the result of back-to-back storms and continued heavy rain

The Environment Agency has issued a Severe Flood Warning for Beales Corner in Bewdley, Worcestershire due to extremely high river levels on the River Severn that are threatening to over-top temporary flood barriers.

Properties in Beales Corner are at a very high risk of flooding as the fast-flowing water from the River Severn is expected to flood the area on Tuesday 22 February with a peak expected on Wednesday 23 February.

Teams from the Environment Agency have been working throughout the weekend to deploy temporary flood barriers at Beales Corner. However, there is still a high risk that water levels will overtop the barrier.

The Environment Agency issues Severe Flood Warnings when there is imminent risk of flooding and threat to life.  Residents are strongly urged to evacuate their homes during the flood and are being supported by the police and councils.

Environment Agency Area Duty Manager for Worcestershire Gary Bywater said:

We are facing a significant flood risk at Beales Corner in Bewdley and urging people to remain vigilant and take extreme care. Heavy rain, affecting already wet areas, is likely to cause significant river flooding along the River Severn for several days.

We have teams out on the ground taking preventative action and we are working with other agencies to support people who need to evacuate their homes.

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.

The Environment Agency has been working with local authorities over the past year to ensure that excellent resilient measures are in place should the barrier need to be deployed, including re-surfacing the road and maintaining the drains.

Residents are urged to sign up to Environment Agency Flood Warning messages and to make sure they are prepared for flooding by following the ‘Prepare, Act, Survive’ guidance:

• Prepare a bag that includes medical and insurance documents
• Check the latest flood situation online
• Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water
• Check your insurance to make sure you are covered for flood damage. If you rent your home, it is your responsibility to have insurance for your belongings
• If you are flooded, call 999 if in immediate danger and follow advice from emergency services.