In an updated statement the agency warned residents to take extreme care near flood waters and said properties in low lying areas will continue to be affected.
The Environment Agency said last night: “The rising river levels have caused flooding of low lying land and roads, and we expect properties in Peterborough to continue to be affected over the weekend, 26 to 27th December.
“A second peak is arriving in Peterborough and the river is forecast to continue to rise as the next rainfall arrives. Low lying properties near the River Nene are most at risk.
“The impacts are likely to last throughout the weekend. Stay safe and be aware of your local surroundings, avoid contact with flood water, and riverside paths. Our staff are out in the area to check the flood defences, clear blockages, and assist the Emergency Services and Council. We are closely monitoring the situation.”
Flood warnings and a road closure on the North Bank Road alongside the River Nene, east of Peterborough and west of Dog-in-a-Doublet Sluice remain in place.
Overnight flood defences had been put up in St Neots, Cambridgeshire ahead of the overnight storm, and extra pumps deployed to the Welches Dam and Soham Lodge areas.
Across the country in the early hours of today (December 27), gusts reaching 79mph hit the Isle of Portland in Dorset, winds of up to 72mph were recorded on Mumbles Head, on Swansea Bay, 74mph in Mount Batten, near Plymouth, Devon, and 70mph in St Catherine’s Point on the Isle of Wight, according to Met Office observations.
Heavy rain already brought misery over the Christmas period, and two severe flood warnings indicating a potential threat to life are still in place at Cogenhoe Mill caravan site near Northampton and on the River Nene near Billing Aquadrome on Sunday morning.
A further 88 flood warnings have been issued in England, six in Wales and 12 in Scotland.
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The updated Environment Agency map showing areas most at risk from flooding in Peterborough. Photo: Midlands
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Checking on boats and properties after the River Nene burst its bank upstream of Orton Mere lock. Picture: David Lowndes Photo: Midlands
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Checking on boats and properties after the River Nene burst its bank upstream of Orton Mere lock. Picture: David Lowndes Photo: Midlands
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Many boats have been left inaccessible after the River Nene burst its bank upstream of Orton Mere lock. Picture: David Lowndes Photo: Midlands