Flood warning and alerts in place for parts of Boston area

A flood warning, as defined by the EA, means flooding is expected and immediate action is required.

As of this afternoon (Friday, November 15), a flood warning was in force for the River Witham and associated Fens from Chapel Hill to Boston.

In its warning, the EA states: “Rainfall over the last few days has resulted in the flooding of low lying land and roads in the lower reaches of the River Witham and its tributaries.

“Further rainfall is forecast today (Friday, November 15), and we expect river levels to rise again and cause further flood risk to this area.

“Low lying properties near the river are most at risk. Stay safe and be aware of your local surroundings.”

People are urged to avoid contact with flood water and refrain from walking on flood banks.

“We have staff out in the area and are closely monitoring the situation,” the EA adds.

Alongside this, flood alerts are in place for the Lower River Witham (Lincoln to Boston) and the South Forty Foot Drain.

Flood alerts mean ‘flooding is possible’ and people should ‘be prepared’.

The Grand Sluice in Boston is fully open to allow the maximum discharge of the River Witham out into the Haven, the EA says, adding that during periods of high tide, levels may increase as the river is unable to flow out to sea.

With regards to the South Forty Foot Drain, the EA says: “Over the last 24 hours we have seen heavy rainfall in the South Forty Foot River area. This means that the South Forty Foot is now rising, which will lead to flooding of low lying land and roads close to the river. We expect the river to remain high throughout the next few days. Our forecasts indicate that flooding to properties isn’t likely and therefore flood warnings are not expected to be issued.”

As with the Lower River Witham area, people are urged to avoid using low lying footpaths and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers which may be flooded.

Find more at flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings