East Suffolk flood warning as rivers empty into the sea

People in East Suffolk are being warned that flood water levels have not necessarily hit their peak, despite rain easing in the county.

It is because flood water entering Suffolk’s rivers is flowing downstream towards the coast faster than expected – similar to the rate seen during a snow melt – meaning water levels could rise before they drop.

Residents and businesses, especially those close to water ways, are being urged to follow closely flood warning and alerts from the Environment Agency and take action if advised. Members of the public can sign up to flood warnings

A major incident is still in place in Suffolk.

People are no longer being asked to travel only if absolutely necessary, but are being urged to drive with caution.

Key public safely advice includes:

Don’t drive through flood water. Just one egg cup of water is enough to wreck your engine

• Keep alert for surface water, drive according to the conditions and increase distance from the vehicle in front and be prepared to back off if visibility gets worse
• Be aware of debris left on roads by the flood water
• Return to abandoned vehicles and retrieve them, where safe to do so
• Avoid playing or swimming in flood water, because it can contain hidden dangers such as lifted manhole covers, sharp objects, sewage and chemicals.
• Check your flood risk here