Warning of winter floods, experts expect the next three months to be wetter than usual | Climate news

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The UK may experience a wetter than usual winter as families are urged to prepare for the threat of flooding.

The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts forecast heavy rain for the next three months, with rain likely in January and February next year.

The Environment Agency is urging people to check flood risks online, sign up for flood warnings, and if they’re at risk, find out what to do if floods hit their homes.

Will Lang, Head of Civil Emergencies at the Met Office, said: “Winter in the UK usually includes a variety of weather conditions, and it looks like this winter will be no exception.

“However, when looking at the major global drivers affecting the UK’s weather, there are indications that this winter may be wetter than usual.

“Although these wettest conditions are likely to be in January and February next year, the details will become clearer as time approaches and information can be found on the forecast pages of our website.”

The call comes at the start of “Flood Action Week”, where the agency revealed the results of a survey that indicated that three-fifths (61%) of households in areas at risk of flooding do not believe that their property is at risk of flooding.

While 70% of households in high-risk areas have taken some steps to prepare for their home floods, 30% have done nothing – which could mean as many as 1.5 million homes are at risk of flooding if it is replicated across England unprepared.

The EA estimates that 5.2 million properties in England are at risk of flooding, with those at risk urged to follow advice to protect themselves by:

– In the event of a flood alert, prepare by packing medication, insurance, and other important documents and visiting the Flood Warning Information Service.

– In the event of a flood warning, act by moving family, pets and property to a safe location, and turn off the gas, water and electricity.

If there is a severe flood warning, avoid immediate danger by following emergency services instructions or calling 999 if necessary.

“It’s time to be vigilant, not inactive, about flooding,” warned Carolyn Douglas, Executive Director of Floods at the Environment Agency.

“It is very important for the public to get online and check if they are at risk, sign up for the Environment Agency’s warnings, and know what to do in the event of a flood,” she said.

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