Unsettled Weather Set to Continue for Another Month, Forecasters Warn
Forecasters have issued a stark warning that unsettled weather is set to persist across England for another month, urging residents and businesses to remain vigilant to the ongoing risk of flooding. Currently, there are 65 flood warnings in place, where flooding is expected, and 179 flood alerts, where it is possible, spanning the country.
Current Conditions and Warnings
Conditions have been exceptionally wet since the beginning of the year, driven by a strong and southern jet stream that has brought frequent rain and strong winds. Yellow weather warnings for snow, ice, and rain are in force until Thursday morning, primarily affecting the Midlands and southern England. The south-west of England has experienced 216mm of rainfall so far, which is 184% of the long-term average for this time of year.
Groundwater levels across the south and south-east of England are currently rising, leading to minor flooding incidents. In Somerset, approximately 29 square miles of the Levels and Moors have been flooded, while around 355 square miles have flooded across England, with the South West being the most affected region.
Response and Protection Measures
Julie Foley, director of flood risk strategy and national adaptation at the Environment Agency, emphasised the need for public vigilance. "With the weather conditions continuing to remain unsettled, I urge the public to remain vigilant to the risk of flooding," she stated. Environment Agency officers are working around the clock, deploying pumps, temporary barriers, and clearing waterways to ensure flood water can drain away effectively.
Further pumps are being proactively deployed across the Somerset Levels, bringing the total to 28 ultra-high volume pumps. Temporary barriers are being installed along the Rivers Severn and Thames, including at Bewdley in Worcestershire and Oxford. On Thursday, the Thames Barrier is due to be closed in anticipation of high tides, with the Thames Jubilee River flood relief channel remaining operational. The Environment Agency estimates that these efforts have protected 24,500 properties from flooding.
Future Outlook and Climate Impact
Sarah Davies, head of energy and environment at the Met Office, noted that while the wettest conditions are expected to shift to western hills from next week, areas elsewhere remain sensitive. "Given some areas elsewhere remain sensitive following recent rain, any further spells of rain as we head into early spring has a higher chance of causing some impacts than normal for this type of setup," she explained.
A national assessment of flood risk has found that climate change is increasing the risk of flooding and coastal erosion across England. Currently, 6.3 million properties are in areas at risk of flooding, a number expected to rise to 8 million by 2050. In response, the Government has committed to investing £10.5 million in its flooding programme until 2036, aiming to protect almost 900,000 homes and businesses.
There are around 255,700 flood and coastal defences in England, including flood walls, embankments, pumping stations, sluices, and barriers. Despite these measures, authorities stress that ongoing vigilance and adaptation are crucial in the face of changing weather patterns and increasing flood risks.
