It's never too soon to prepare for flooding - as heavy rain is forecast to follow dry spell

People across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) are being urged to prepare for the possibility of flooding, with thunderstorms and heavy rain forecast for later this week.

Months of little or no rain have left the ground extremely hard, increasing the risk of surface water flooding which can happen fast and be hard to predict. 

A yellow warning for thunderstorms has been issued by the Met Office for Wednesday and Thursday (26 and 27 August), along with the possibility of hail and strong winds. Forecasts also include periods of heavy showers with up to 30mm of rain possible in some places. (Some isolated areas may get up to 50mm in a short space of time.)

As well as localised flooding, risks include difficult driving conditions, disruption to power and other utilities, and a risk to life from fast-flowing flood water.

To reduce the risk of flooding after a record-breaking summer of hot, dry weather, people are advised to:

  • Know their flood risk and sign up for free flood alerts and warnings
  • Pack a ‘grab bag’ of essential items, like medicines, bottled water and insurance documents, in case you need to stay put or leave your home in a hurry
  • Check in on relatives and neighbours, particularly those who may find it harder to cope
  • Check gutters, drains and downpipes, and clear leaves and debris
  • Have an emergency plan and keep it handy – include things like emergency phone numbers
  • Check out property flood resilience measures  
  • Find local flood resilience activities, such as your local flood warden scheme, or set one up!  
  • Never enter flood water. In an emergency, call 999  

Kristy Ball, Co-Chair of the LRF’s People, Communities and Recovery group, said: “While the sun is shining, it’s easy to forget about the risk of flooding – but, after a long dry spell, rainwater can run off dry ground and cause localised flooding which can have devastating impacts. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared.

“By taking action to prepare for flooding – like packing a ‘grab bag’ or checking in with vulnerable neighbours - people are actually making themselves and their communities better prepared for other risks, too.”

Free support to help reduce the impact of flooding is available on our flooding page and from Risk Ready Communities, part of a community resilience programme led by the LRF, in partnership with Groundwork Five Counties and Communities Prepared.