Notts: Environment Agency warn of floods this winter

The Environment Agency is warning of an increased likelihood of flooding this winter.
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Wet weather, strong winds coinciding with high tides and wind-blown leaves and debris blocking rivers, are increasing flood risk, especially in the west of England. Families, communities and businesses are urged to check their flood risk and be prepared for possible flooding and its impacts.

Based on Met Office analysis, the Environment Agency is advising that:

There is an elevated risk of flooding from rivers, the sea and from surface water

Persistent rainfall in the second half of October made the ground very wet – making rainfall more likely to lead to flooding

Strong winds could increase the risk of flooding, as leaves and branches block drains, culverts and rivers

A strong westerly jet stream is expected to dominate through much of November bringing bands of rain from the west and southwest, driven by strong winds. Heaviest rainfall is expected in the west of the country, especially on areas of high ground

During November and early winter Atlantic depressions are typically more intense, more frequent and carry large amounts of moisture. Late autumn and early winter are typically the stormier and wetter times of the year.

Andy Wilkinson, Midlands Flood and Coastal Risk Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “The most important thing that we can all do to protect ourselves from the devastation that flooding can cause is to be prepared – by checking our flood risk on the Environment Agency’s website, signing up to free flood warnings and making a personal flood plan.”

“Every £1 spent on protecting communities from flooding saves £8 in repairing damage. Over the last three years in Midlands we have reduced the risk of flooding to an additional 18,465* homes and businesses with new flood defence schemes.”