More floods threaten south-east
16 October 2000
More floods threaten south-east
By FWi staff
FURTHER serious flooding threatens to engulf farmland south-east England, the Environment Agency has warned.
Although river levels have dropped in some areas, Severe Flood Warnings – the most serious level of flood alert – are still in place in Sussex and Kent
The agency is concerned there may be further problems with the River Uck, River Ouse (Barcombe and Lewes) and the Cuckmere.
Producers who have livestock on low-lying land should remain on the alert and listen for updates on local radio and television, it said.
The forecast for the coming week threatens more heavy rain and, with the ground so saturated, this could cause difficulties, the agency added.
Rainfall in East Sussex and Kent reached unprecedented levels last week, with up to 150mm (six inches) falling over a period of 72 hours.
The normal average rainfall for October is less than 100mm (four inches).
Experts at the Meteorological Office have warned that flooding incidents are likely to become more common in the future because of global warming.
“Our work to look at the effects of climate change continues to unearth new information,” said Alan Thorpe, director of climate research.
“The number of days of very heavy rain could increase substantially so the risk of flooding is likely to increase.”
- Up-to-date information on flood alerts and advice on what to do can be obtained from the Environment Agency Floodline (0845 9881188) or at www.environment-agency.gov.uk
- FWi weather
- The Meteorological Office