Surface water flood maps published for the first time

The Environment Agency yesterday published new flood maps for the UK showing which communities are at risk of being soaked. As well as laying out the areas endangered by rivers […]

The Environment Agency yesterday published new flood maps for the UK showing which communities are at risk of being soaked.

As well as laying out the areas endangered by rivers and the sea, for the first time they also show places at risk from surface water flooding – when drainage systems are overwhelmed by torrential rainfall.

According to the Environment Agency previous data had suggested that 3.8 million properties were at risk of surface water flooding. It’s now lowered the estimate to 3 million.

Flood experts used computers to model the flow of rainfall and create the maps (pictured). They should become more accurate over time as the technology advances.

Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, Dr Paul Leinster said: “We have used cutting edge technology to map areas at risk of surface water flooding in England. These maps are now amongst the most comprehensive in the world.”

Friends of the Earth Climate Campaigner, Guy Shrubsole said: “Millions of homes across the UK are under threat from surface water flooding – and with scientists predicting more extreme rainfall as climate change takes hold, this number is set to rise.”

The Environment Agency said 2.4 million properties are currently at risk of flooding from rivers or the sea. It added that a total 5 million properties are at risk in one form or another.

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