Red alerts have been issued in 12 regions across the UK, urging residents to take immediate action to safeguard their properties and businesses. Three areas in England and nine locations in Scotland are under threat of flooding, primarily due to tidal waves affecting coastal areas of the British Isles.
In England, red alerts have been issued for the Tidal Fal Estuary, the South Cornwall coast from Lizard Point to Gribbin Head (excluding the Tidal Fal Estuary), and the South Cornwall coast from Gribbin Head to Rame Head. Although the risk of sea-induced flooding has decreased, there is still a possibility of flooding in low-lying areas and roads after today’s high tides, according to the Environment Agency (EA).
Meanwhile, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued urgent warnings for various areas including Spey Viaduct to Spey Bay, Outer Wigtown Bay, Inner Wigtown Bay, Seilebost and Luskentyre, Lochmaddy, Locheport, Baleshare, Ardmore to Loch Carnan, and Stornoway. SEPA attributed the flood risk to a combination of high tides, surges, and prevailing weather conditions, increasing the likelihood of coastal flooding.
SEPA highlighted that certain properties and low-lying roads are at risk of flooding in the mentioned areas. Residents in the red alert zones have been notified about the flood risk through email, SMS, and/or phone alerts.
The EA recommends staying updated on the situation through their flood alerts service and signing up for flood warnings via floodline. Individuals at immediate risk of flooding are advised to promptly turn off gas, electricity, and water supplies when safe to do so, relocate family members, vehicles, pets, and essential items to higher ground, and deploy flood protection measures such as barriers or air brick covers if available.
Following guidance from local councils or emergency services websites is advisable in case evacuation orders are issued. If a property sustains flood damage, residents can contact their local council for emergency accommodation arrangements. It is crucial to avoid traveling through floodwater due to potential hazards like debris and sewage contamination.
For pumping out water from properties, a permit may be necessary when discharging into water bodies, public sewers, or street drains. The fire brigade can assist with pumping out water, albeit potentially charging a fee for their services.
