Parts of the UK could be at risk of further flooding in the coming months
because of so much rainfall so far this year, according to new analysis.
The latest official data from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) shows that rivers in the south and south-west of England reached exceptionally high levels in January, with some breaking records.
And in areas prone to flooding, the soil has become so saturated that water is rising from the ground – an invisible threat that can suddenly occur. flood Home.
Flooding in Salisbury, Wiltshire
The Environment Agency (EA) has also warned of a significant risk of so-called groundwater flooding, which could last for months.
Mark Garrett, flood charge manager at the agency, said, “Significant groundwater flood impacts are possible in parts of Dorset and Wiltshire, with minor groundwater impacts possible in Hampshire and West Sussex.
“Due to continued rising levels, minor impacts of groundwater flooding are possible in Kent and East Sussex.”
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UKCEH monthly figures confirm that Northern Ireland and the southwest of England had the wettest January on record, with 170% of their normal rainfall.
Northern Ireland and parts of England have their wettest January on record
It was one of the five wettest Januarys since 1890 for the southern counties of England.
River levels rose in affected areas as a result, with three reaching their highest flows of January and two setting records.
Why is Britain flooding?
Borehole monitoring in Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Sussex and Kent also revealed that groundwater levels were above normal at 29 locations.
The level was so high at 28 sites that there was a risk of flooding due to water rising from under people’s homes.
And levels at 10 sites had reached their highest level on record.
Groundwater flooding ‘may surprise people’
Professor Hannah Cloke, a world-leading hydrologist at the University of Reading, told Sky News, “Groundwater flooding is invisible. It comes up through the floorboards. It leaks in the middle of the night, and people don’t expect it.
“You can’t expect flooding just because you live close to a river. So it could be very serious. It could surprise people.
“And it’s very persistent. It can persist for a long time. So in some of these places it can persist for months.”
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According to the Met Office, the jet stream is further south than usual for the time of year.
Cold weather in North America has also caused high-altitude winds to become highly active, causing persistent rain in parts of the UK.
Further rainfall is forecast and the EA has urged people to remain vigilant to flood warnings.
