Starting yesterday, the Environment Agency is now providing a daily three-day flood forecast for England and Wales on its website. The service aims to provide clearer warnings to help homes and business prepare for possible flooding.

Richard Benyon, Flooding and Coastal Erosion Minister, said: “Half the battle in protecting homes from floods is being prepared. These updates to our flood warning service will give people whose homes are at risk of flooding more detailed warning up to three days in advance and better advice on what action they need to take.”

More localised information is to be included in the phone and text services already provided, aimed at helping protect lives and property. Earlier this year, the Environment Agency signed up half a million additional homes and businesses to receive free localised river and sea flood warnings, more than doubling the total registered to almost one million properties.

Craig Woolhouse, the Environment Agency’s Head of Flood Incident Management, said: “The recent devastating events in Cornwall remind us of the dangers of flooding and how being prepared is crucial. One in six homes in England and Wales are at risk of flooding. We urge everyone to check whether their property is at risk by visiting the Environment Agency’s website and taking steps to prepare, such as looking at ways to make properties more flood-proof.”

According to the Environment Agency, over five million people in England and Wales are at risk from flooding from rivers and the sea. They recommend that anyone in a flood risk area sign up to their free flood warning system by calling 0845 988 1188 or visiting www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood.

Mr Woolhouse added: “Our new online flood forecasts, along with clearer warnings, will better prepare people for potential flooding, helping protect lives and property.”