Flood risk continues despite falling river levels in U.K.: AIR Worldwide

This winter has been the wettest in the United Kingdom since detailed data was first published in 1910, notes an new advisory from catastrophe modelling firm AIR Worldwide.

Total rainfall total for January was the highest recorded since 1766, AIR Worldwide reports, producing flooding in many parts of the country.

As of noon on Feb. 26, AIR Worldwide notes there were still two severe flood warnings, 15 flood warnings and 91 less serious flood alerts in place in England and Wales. There were also six flood warnings active in Scotland.

Both of the severe flood warnings still in place in England are in effect in the Somerset Levels, where a high overall flood risk remains and severe river flooding will continue, the statement says.

AIR Worldwide notes that the Environment Agency has reported more than 5,800 homes and businesses have been flooded since the beginning of December. However, 1.3 million properties have been protected by flood defences and many thousands of households have been evacuated, the statement adds.

The number of homes damaged and the estimated total costs associated with this winter’s flooding are lower than in July 2007 (when there were devastating floods), “for which the Association of British Insurers estimated the insured losses alone to be more than GBP 3 billion,” says Shane Latchman, AIR Worldwide’s senior research associate.

Beginning with a powerful storm in late October, a series of severe winter storms contributed to exceptional rainfall accumulation over an extended period and resulted in extensive flooding, notes AIR Worldwide. Between Dec. 1 and Feb. 19, the U.K. had 486.8 mm of rain. Large areas were hit with more than twice their seasonal average, and many rivers in southern England reached their highest-ever recorded levels, the statement adds.

“The flooding crisis deepened with the arrival of yet more severe weather between February 10 and 14,” Latchman, says, but adds the risk of flooding across much of southern and central England is now receding as river levels fall.

But significant flooding issues remain, and “the wet weather has also created perfect conditions for sink holes, which are being reported at between five and 10 times the normal rate this month,” Latchman says.

As well, the winter storms have caused extensive coastal erosion in the form of crumbling cliffs, shrinking beaches and sand dunes, and breached sea defences.