Large swathes of Britain remain on flood alert today with more heavy and persistent downfalls forecast to further dampen the summer season.
An EA spokesman said: "The Environment Agency is urging people across central and eastern England to remain vigilant as heavy thunderstorms are forecast to affect large swathes of the country. Locally intense showers falling on already saturated ground could lead to surface water flooding and possible river flooding from fast responding rivers, particularly across parts of the Midlands and East Anglia".
The EA said teams had been mobilised across the country to check on flood defences, clear any river blockages and closely monitor river levels over the coming days.
People are being urged not to drive or walk through flood waters which can be dirty, dangerous and full of hidden debris.
But, if Old English folklore is right, it could soon be time to put away that much-used umbrella.
Forecasters say it will be mainly dry and sunny tomorrow on St Swithin’s Day, the date which, legend has it, sets the weather for the next 40 days and 40 nights.
Since the beginning of May, more than 3,000 properties have been flooded across England and Wales. Last month was also one of the dullest Junes on record, with just 119.2 hours of sunshine.
david kingstrom
