Floods minister thanks teams for protecting communities

While the flood forecasting was extremely accurate, we were fortunate that the winds and highest waves did not happen together. “I saw for myself in Essex the tireless work of the military, EA staff, volunteers and emergency services who have worked round the clock to warn and evacuate people, make sure our permanent defences are in good order and temporary defences in place where necessary. “That effort kept 550,000 properties safe from flooding – a stark reminder of the scale and force of those coastal waves and how important it is to check your flood risk and follow EA advice. We know a small number of properties were flooded and my sympathies go out to those who have been affected.”