Flooding in the UK

Although the UK has a generally temperate maritime climate, heavy rainfall can occur at short notice at any time of year. This can lead to localised flooding, disruptions to land-based travel and, in severe cases, flight delays and cancellations. Harsher weather, such as snow, can also affect parts of the UK during winter months, which can result in widespread travel disruptions, including road closures, cancellation of bus and train services, and airport closures.

It is not only travel that can be affected by flooding and other severe weather conditions. Houses and other property can be damaged as well. It is advisable to keep up to date with local weather forecasts and to be aware of any weather or flood warnings that may be issued. For current weather warnings, please check the Met Office website, and for the latest weather forecast, please click here. For the latest information on areas affected by flooding, please visit the Environment Agency website.

Below is some advice on how to prepare for flooding and what to do during and after a flood.

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Before a flood

  • If you reside in an area that is under a flood watch, do not underestimate the damage that flooding can cause. Seek professional advice and take necessary precautions to safeguard your property.
  • Review your household insurance cover. Take photographs of your property if you are worried about any damage.
  • Establish who the flood warden for your street is by calling your local council or the Flood Incident Management Team at your local Environment Agency area office.
  • Have an evacuation contingency plan in place.
  • Keep a bag packed with clothing and important documents, such as your insurance policy and passports.
  • Purchase additional supplies of bottled water and food, which should be stored in a dry place in the event of minor flooding.
  • Prepare an emergency kit, which should contain a torch, medication, first aid equipment and an additional battery for your mobile phone.
  • Ask your meter reader to point out the electricity and gas cockstops, and mark them clearly for future reference.
  • If possible, obtain sand bags that can be used to form a barrier around doors.
  • Have a meeting point where your family should gather in the event of an unexpected flood.
  • Keep abreast of news and weather reports.

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During a flood

  • Move to higher ground or to a higher level in your building immediately.
  • Call emergency numbers if you need to be evacuated. Check with the authorities for safe routes before going anywhere.
  • If you or a family member are injured, seek medical assistance immediately.
  • Do not drive through floodwater - flowing water deeper than two feet will sweep a vehicle away.
  • Do not walk in moving floodwater.
  • Do not walk in floodwater that is above knee-level. At this height, the flow can be strong enough to knock you off your feet. Also be aware that manholes and other objects invisible in floodwater may cause harm. Always check the water depth and the current.
  • Do not touch items that have been in contact with floodwater as these may be contaminated. Avoid tap water in the event of a flood.
  • Avoid power lines and electrical wires. Electrical current can travel through water. Fallen power lines should be reported to the local authorities.

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After a flood

  • Do not return to the disaster area until authorised to do so.
  • Wear rubber boots to avoid electrical shocks.
  • Document damage with photographs or video for insurance purposes.
  • Do not drink municipal water until the local health department has declared that it is safe to do so. Before making use of mains water supplies, wash all taps and run them for a few minutes; this water may have been contaminated.
  • Disinfect or discard all items that were exposed to the floodwater. Floodwater usually contains raw sewage and chemicals carried from roads, farms, factories, sewers and storage buildings.
  • Be extremely cautious when using recently flooded electrical equipment. Some appliances, such as television sets, hold electrical charges even after they have been unplugged.
  • Be sensitive to the possibility of waterborne diseases, such as cholera. Should any of your family start feeling ill following a flood, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.
  • Doors and windows should be opened to allow ventilation.
  • To destroy all germs, surfaces and items should be washed and disinfected and left out to dry.
  • Consider throwing away contaminated items if these cannot be properly cleaned or disinfected.

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