Wettest February on record in UK – 77 flood warnings issued with hours until water levels hit peak – 15 rivers hit their highest levels on record

By Kate Ng
2 March 2020

(The Independent) – Seventy-seven flood warnings remain in place across England and Wales as the UK prepares for river levels to peak in the aftermath of Storm Jorge.

The Environment Agency (EA) has 74 flood warnings in place for England, with many concentrated in the southwest and along the River Severn, where water levels are expected to peak in some areas on Monday evening.

“River levels are expected to remain high over the next few days,” said the EA. “We are closely monitoring the situation. Please avoid using low-lying footpaths near local watercourses and avoid contact with flood water.” […]

Three successive storms – Storm Ciara, Storm Dennis, and the most recent, Storm Jorge – culminated in the wettest February on record, chalking up a UK average of 202.1mm and beating the February 1990 record of 193.4mm.

Thousands of homes and businesses were flooded, with some houses almost completely submerged in the towns of East Cowick and Snaith on Monday.

On top of record-breaking rainfall, including more than a month’s worth of rain in just 24 hours in some areas, some 15 rivers in the Midlands, Yorkshire and Lancashire hit their highest levels on record. [more]

UK Weather: 77 flood warnings issued with hours until water levels hit peak