The autumn season has arrived, and so has the increased risk of flooding. The UK avoids the brunt of extreme weather and stays clear from hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis. However, our small country is prone to flooding in the colder seasons, and it has gotten much worse in recent years.
We see the effects of climate change across the world. In the UK, it is particularly noticeable in the flooding season. In November 2019, the Sheffield weather station recorded a whopping 427.6mm of rain in just 15 days. 2019 was one of the wettest autumns on record, and local drainage systems were overwhelmed.
Back in 2015, Storm Desmond released a staggering 34cm of rain into Cumbria within 24 hours, and riverbanks burst across the county. Yorkshire and the Midlands have also been subject to heavy rainfall over the years, and residents have cleared their homes of floodwater.
Here are some of the high-risk flood areas in the UK.
Coastal areas
Coastal regions are often at risk of tidal flooding, especially with rising sea levels. Sea defences are slowly deteriorating, and many homes are at risk of falling into the sea. Cornwall, Peterborough and Hull are particularly vulnerable to tidal flooding.
Riverside locations
The oldest towns in England are built on riversides. However, with climate change and the increased risk of flooding, these towns are now in high-risk flood zones. Tidal surges can come upriver and burst the riverbanks from sudden periods of rainfall. Somerset is partially at risk of this – and Glastonbury has been known to flood over the years.
Surface water
In the likelihood of a severe flood, you could hire a man and a van service to move your personal belongings to a safer location. Keep your furniture and sentimental items away from the water and out of the high-risk zone.
Surface water accumulates after rapid downpours or other flood damage, like a burst riverbank. Flash flooding is extremely dangerous and can catch people off guard. Yorkshire has seen some terrifying flash floods. Surface water has stormed into people’s homes, submerged entire cars and even resulted in lethal injuries. If you live in a flood zone, you need to be especially cautious in the wet seasons. Keep an eye on the weather and prepare for any heavy rainfalls when you can.
There are plenty of ways you prepare for a flood. You need to find out the flood risk in your area so you can prepare properly. If you live in a high-risk flood area, you may need to do some risk management and assessment. You could take action by moving to a lower risk area or protecting your property with flood defences. You could use sandbags to protect your property temporarily.
Check the flood risk in your area and prepare for flood season.