It's Summer - Prepare for Flooding

With the some newspapers predicting erratic and dramatic weather through the summer the prospect of flooding has not gone away through the change of season. Granted we are not suffering a prolonged wet season like last winter but the prospect of flash floods remains through the summer.

As local authorities cut back on non-essential services gully cleaning becomes less of a priority. It has always been a never-ending cycle so does it matter if it is done at a slower pace? So more and more surface water drains especially on roadways cease to function as they should. 

Surface water run off becomes an issue. 

This is further compounded by ground becoming dry and sunbaked solid. Heavy rain will not soak into the soil but will run off to the nearest watercourse causing it to go into spate. When several watercourses come together in these circumstances there is nothing more certain than a flash flood.

Can you prepare for a flash flood?

If the indications are there then you must. The indications being surface water streams running in times of heavy rain. Remember you don't have to be living near a river etc. to suffer a flash flood. So being prepared means paying attention to weather forecasts and weather warnings readily available from the Met Office here. Having some flood resistance measures like alternative sandbags to hand might be useful. Don't keep precious or sentimental items near to or on the floor downstairs. Flash floods can be dangerous too. Fast flowing water only a few centimetres deep will knock you off your feet.

• Know your risk
• Be Prepared
• Have a plan

Get the latest news from the Met Office blog here