Environment Secretary Owen Paterson has been forced into a backseat role in the Government's response to the floods as he has emergency surgery on a detached retina.
A Downing Street spokesman confirmed Communities Secretary Eric Pickles is to chair a meeting on the storms on Thursday as David Cameron remains "closely involved" with developments.
Mr Paterson was due to chair a Cobra emergency committee meeting today, and was also set to make a Commons statement tomorrow as communities continue to feel the effects of strong winds and heavy rain.
A Downing Street spokesman said Mr Paterson is expected to be off "for a few days".
The spokesman said: "In his absence, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles will be in charge of the Government's response to the floods. He will chair tomorrow afternoon's (meeting). However, the Prime Minister will remain very closely involved."
Mr Paterson was the target of residents' anger when he visited the flood-hit Somerset Levels last week.
Locals from the area said they were living in "third world" conditions - with "overflowing" septic tanks and water in their homes.
The Environment Secretary also drew criticism for arriving at Northmoor in a pair of smart city shoes.
A spokeswoman for Defra said: "Unfortunately due to emergency surgery to repair a detached retina he will be unable to do so.
"Alternative arrangements are being made."
