Shocking number of flood warnings revealed as UK battered by more rain bombs
Increased levels of heavy downpours hit Britain in the first four months of 2024, with the danger of flooding increasing as a result.
Up to 40 flood warnings a day were issued on average in Britain in the first few months of 2024, figures from a climate campaign group have revealed.
Nearly 5,000 flood alerts were issued across Britain between January and April this year, statistics obtained through the Freedom of Information Act by Round Our Way found.
Roger Harding, director of the non-profit organisation, said: “In the past flooding was a rarity for most of us. We were more likely to see it on the TV than with our own eyes, but recently things have changed.
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“Barely a winter week seems to pass without a weather warning being issued and the floods that come in their wake.
“These figures back up what many of us are thinking, as climate change sets in, more floods are happening. The first four months of this year saw the highest number of flood warnings since records began.”
The UK is experiencing more intense rainfall because of climate change.
Warmer skies over Britain are holding more moisture, leading to both greater levels of rain and more sudden heavy downpours that can overwhelm drainage systems.
Mr Harding said: “Climate change and the floods that come with it are leaving families more and more exposed. Politicians need to invest in clean energy so we can cut fossil fuels and protect our families from this getting worse.”
According to the Met Office, 1,695.9mm of rain fell from October 2022 to March 2024 - the highest amount recorded for any 18-month period in England.
