Weather Hazards

• What weather hazards does the UK experience?

  Thunderstorms, prolonged rain -> flooding, drought, heat waves, heavy snow, strong winds.
• What's an example of a UK weather hazard?

  Somerset Level Floods - prolonged rainfall and flooding event.
• What caused the 2014 Somerset Level floods?

  • Several storms bringing record rainfall in Jan and Feb
  • Rivers were clogged with sediment and hadn't been dredged in 20 years
  • High tides and storm surges swept up water up rivers from Birstol channel
• What were the immediate reactions to the Somerset floods?


  • Huge media interest was generated
  • Cut-off villagers used boats for transport
  • Community groups and volunteers gave invaluale support
• Why did cut-off villagers use boats for transport?

  An immediate response to the Somerset Level floods
• What were the social impacts of the Somerset Levels?

  • 600 houses evacuated
  • 16 farms flooded
  • Villages cut off - disrupting work, schools, shopping
  • Power supply, roads, and railway cut off
• What was cut off due to the Somerset flooding?

  Villages, roads, power supply, and railways
• What were the economic impacts of Somerset level floods?

  • £10 million damages
  • Villages cut off - disrupting school, work, and shopping
• What were the environmental impacts of the Somerset Level floods?

  • 16 farms evacuated
  • 14,000ha of farmland flooded
  • 1000 livestock evacuated
  • Massive debris clearance required
  • Floodwaters contaminated by sewage, oil, and chemicals
• What were the impacts of the Somerset floods on farmers?

  • 14,000ha of farmland flooded
  • 1000 live stock evacuated
  • 16 farms evacuated
• What were the long-term responses to the Somerset Level floods?

  • £20 million flood action plan launched by Somerset County Council and Environment agency to reduce future risk
  • 8km of rivers Tone and Parrett dredged
  • Road levels raised in lowest dips
  • Vulnerable communities equipped with flood defences
  • River banks strengthened and raised