NEW flood warning services have been launched in mid Essex to alert homeowners when their properties at risk.

The Environment Agency has launched two new flood warning services, one in Great Yeldham and an extended service in Braintree. 

A total of 539 properties in Great Yeldham and Braintree will now benefit from the Environment Agency’s Flood Warning service.

Flood warnings tell people about an imminent risk of flooding to their home or business and help people make informed decisions about how to respond.

There are three levels of warning – Flood Alert, Flood Warning and Severe Flood Warning.

Warnings are triggered by weather, river or sea conditions which can cause flooding.

Householders are encouraged to prepare if they receive a Flood Alert, which could mean packing a bag that includes medicines, insurance documents and anything else they wouldn't want to lose if flooding happened.

A Flood Warning calls on people to act immediately, which means turning off gas, water and electricity, and moving family and pets to safety.

A Severe Flood Warning means you are in immediate danger and to follow advice from the emergency services.

Environment Agency area director Simon Hawkins said: "We know the devastating impact flooding can have, which is why protecting people and communities is our top priority.

"Unfortunately, we can never prevent all flooding, and we know that climate change is causing more extreme weather – increasing the frequency and severity of floods - so, we’re working to make communities more resilient to the impacts.

"We want to ensure that everyone has as much time as possible to prepare for flooding which is why we're pleased that people in these new areas will now be able to receive our free flood warning service."

The services are being introduced as part of the Government’s investment to tackle flooding.

By March 2023, a total of 62,000 properties at risk of flooding nationally will be able to benefit from the expansion and reduce their harm from flooding, including many properties in rural and remote locations.

Additional government funding has enabled the Environment Agency to invest in the latest, low-carbon technology and infrastructure needed to provide new flood warning services in Essex and in more than 200 communities across England.

To register for the free Flood Warning Service, call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or visit flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings.