HOMES in Bewdley have been warned that flood defences may be needed again as the Met Office predicts the rainy weather is set to stay in place for at least another month.
Temporary barriers have been deployed along the Severn and the Thames in a bid to tackle the floods, including the recently installed barriers at Bewdley.
But, with the Met Office warning the changeable weather is expected to remain until the middle of March, the Environment Agency has confirmed hundreds of flood responders will continue to be deployed across the country, including Bewdley, to respond to flooding and protect vulnerable communities.
The official opening of Bewdley’s £10million flood risk management scheme for Beales Corner took place back in September, and it has already been deployed several times.
The scheme aims to deliver a major upgrade to the town’s flood defences, benefiting 50 properties and maintaining access to businesses for decades to come.
It includes flood walls, gates and demountable barriers, similar to the system at Severnside.
When flooding is predicted, trained Environment Agency teams will close flood gates and put up the demountable barriers to prevent floodwater from the Severn from entering the area.
The start of 2026 has been exceptionally wet, with a strong and unusually southernly jet stream bringing frequent rain, strong winds and wintry hazards.
The south west of England has been particularly battered, experiencing 216 millimetres of rainfall so far, 184 per cent of the long-term average for this time of the year.
So far, the Environment Agency estimates 355 properties have been flooded across the country, but a further 24,500 have been protected, with teams on the ground to conduct important checks on flood defences, clearing any river blockages and monitor river levels when rainfall occurs.
Julie Foley, Director of Flood Risk Strategy and National Adaptation, said: “With the weather conditions continuing to remain unsettled, I urge the public to remain vigilant to the risk of flooding.
“Environment Agency officers will continue to work around the clock across the country, supporting communities with pumps, temporary barriers and by clearing waterways to ensure flood water can drain away.”
