Red alerts have been issued in 12 regions across the United Kingdom urging residents to take immediate action to safeguard their properties and businesses. Three areas in England and nine locations in Scotland are facing potential flooding risks, primarily from tidal waves impacting coastal areas of the British Isles.
In England, red alerts have been declared for the Tidal Fal Estuary, the South Cornwall coast extending from Lizard Point to Gribbin Head (excluding the Tidal Fal Estuary), and the South Cornwall coast from Gribbin Head to Rame Head. The Environment Agency (EA) has noted a reduced risk of sea-related flooding affecting properties, but cautioned about potential flooding of low-lying lands and roads following high tides.
Simultaneously, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued ‘act now’ advisories 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 the vulnerability of certain properties and low-lying roads to flooding, prompting alerts to residents in the red alert zones through email, SMS, and/or phone notifications. The EA recommends staying informed through their flood alerts service, checking for flooding updates, and registering for flood warnings via floodline.
Residents at immediate risk of flooding are advised to promptly disconnect gas, electricity, and water supplies when safe to do so, relocate family members, vehicles, pets, and valuable items to higher ground, and deploy flood protection measures like barriers or air brick covers if available.
It is essential to heed guidance from local councils or emergency services for potential evacuation orders. In the event of property damage from floods, individuals can contact their local council for emergency accommodation. However, caution should be exercised to avoid traveling through floodwater due to potential hazards like debris and contamination.
If water pumping is required, obtaining a permit may be necessary, especially when discharging water into public sewers or drains. The fire brigade can assist in this process, albeit possibly with associated charges.