Groundwater levels are continuing to rise in many areas of England after heavy Boxing Day rain hit already saturated ground.
The Environment Agency said on Friday morning that 34 flood warnings and 115 flood alerts – meaning that flooding is possible – were in force.
The worst affected areas are parts of southern England and north Lincolnshire.
Flood duty manager Clare Dinnis said: “While the weather outlook is improving, groundwater levels continue to rise
after recent rainfall meaning that there is a continued risk of groundwater flooding in parts of southern England over the next few days.
“We continue to monitor rainfall and river levels closely and to operate our flood defences, reducing the risk of flooding to thousands of homes and businesses and helping to keep people safe.
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“Our pumps also remain in place in Somerset where our focus is on reducing levels of water on Currymoor.”
Heavy rain across the country on Boxing Day was blamed for keeping shoppers away from the high street – with visitor numbers seeing their biggest decline for nine years.
The forecast for the next few days is drier for areas worst hit on Boxing Day.
Friday is forecast to be relatively calm and warm for the time of year inEngland and Wales, though Scotland and Northern Ireland are facing rain and strong winds.
Saturday’s weather was expected to be similarly split.
Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge said: “After that we will generally see high pressure building at the end of the year for much of the UK, and a spell of dry weather, with temperatures near or above average.”
