‘Do your bit in case it floods’
MET OFFICE AND ENVIRONMENT AGENCY URGE RESIDENTS TO BE READY FOR WORST
WE may well all be singing about a White Christmas later this month, but it is the threat of high winds and heavy rain this winter that is the focus of weather forecasters.
The Met Office is predicting higher than average rainfall in the coming months and says people living in areas most at risk from flooding need to be ready.
Last weekend a flood alert was issued to people living near the Lower River Soar, asking people to be prepared in case of rising river levels and breaking through the banks.
The national weather service is now backing calls from the Environment Agency, which claims no-one thinks it will happen to them until it is too late.
Its latest research has revealed that nearly two in three households at risk of flooding don’t believe it will happen to them.
Will Lang, head of civil contingencies at the Met Office said: “Winters in the UK usually includes a wide variety of weather and this winter looks to be no exception.
“However, when looking at the big global drivers that impact weather in the UK there are indications this winter could be wetter than normal.”
He added: “Although these wetter conditions are most likely in January and February, details will become clearer nearer the time.”
Those at risk in Leicestershire include people living in low-lying areas of the Soar Valley around the villages of Sileby, Mountsorrel, Cossington, Frisby-on-the-Wreake, Hoby and Thrussington, where the alarm this weekend was sounded.
Market Harborough and surrounding villages in the south of the county are also prone to flooding when water levels rise along the River Welland.
Members of the public are being urged to join friends, family and neighbours who have already taken action to help prepare themselves and their properties.
The Environment Agency said its research found that up to 1.5 million households in areas at risk have failed to take action.
Caroline Douglass, its executive director of flooding, said individuals need to do their bit.
“Now is the time for us all to be vigilant, not complacent, about flooding,” she said.
“We’re investing millions into building new schemes and making repairs to keep communities safe.
“Yet we can’t prevent all flooding – climate change is only increasing that risk – and the latest figures show that while some people are prepared, many are not.”
She added: “It’s vitally important for the public to go online and check if they are at risk, sign up for Environment Agency warnings, and know what to do if flooding hits.”
The agency is asking people to familiarise themselves with its “Prepare. Act. Survive” message, specifically:
If there is a flood alert – prepare by packing medicines and insurance and other important documents and visit the flood warning information service;
If there is a flood warning – act by moving family, pets and belongings to safety. Turn off gas, water and electricity;
If there is a severe flood warning – survive immediate danger by following the advice of emergency services or calling 999 if needed.
With just 30cm of flowing water being enough to float a car, drivers are also being warned not to attempt to drive through flood water and take extra precautions in wet weather.
Tony Rich, from the AA, said: “Roads can quickly become impassable during very heavy rainfall, so you should allow plenty of time for journeys.
“It’s also important to leave twice as much space between you and the car in front to allow for greater stopping distances.”