Over the coming years, rising temperatures and sea levels, and an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events are likely to raise the risk of flooding in the UK. Cheshire is at risk from tidal/coastal, river and surface water flooding. The River Dane and the River Bollin are rapid response catchments, these areas are expected to flood rapidly in response to extreme rainfall and there may be little or no warning due to the sudden onset of flooding.
Flooding affects somewhere in the UK every year. In Cheshire flooding in September 2019 and January 2021 at various locations led to damage to road surfaces, several properties being internally flooded and many more gardens suffering damage.
Recent storms brought some exceptionally wet weather resulting in widespread flooding across Cheshire. Record river levels were recorded which affected the Northwich area and the Weaver Catchment, Dallam/Sankey in Warrington and Farndon in Chester. Across Cheshire many properties were internally affected by flooding and many more externally affected.
Organisations within CRF identify where the floodwater could go and who is at risk. They continue to invest in maintaining and improving river defences in high-risk areas. Production of multi-agency plans enable organisations to work together to minimise the impact of flooding and strategic area planning occurs to protect the areas at risk.
CRF partners also provide guidance for the public about protecting properties from flooding, develop ways and means of alerting the public as early as possible when there is a significant flood risk and work directly with communities at risk to prepare for flooding.
The predicted impacts could include:
Risk to life (people and animals)
Disruption to utilities
Damage to property, business, agricultural land, roads, structures and infrastructure
Widespread structural damage
Pollution and contamination of local environments
Short, medium and long-term damage to tourism, businesses and agriculture
Evacuation of residents
Loss of accommodation
Provision of accommodation for those whose homes are flooded
Unrecoverable damage to businesses
Long-term psychological and health impacts
Long term restoration and recovery issues for homes and businesses
Follow these practical steps so you and your family can be better prepared for flooding:
Be aware of weather updates
You can check for flooding in your area and sign up for flood warnings
Register with Floodline: online or call 0345 9881188 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The free Floodline service provides flood warnings by telephone, text or email
Protect your property: Water can enter through air bricks and drains as well as through windows and doors. Prepare your flood defences and follow any advice given in flood warnings. Sandbags and other products are available on the market to help protect your property from flooding.
Plan where you will go if you have to evacuate, how you will get there and what you will need to take with you, for example, medication and insurance documents
Identify neighbours who may need assistance or may be able to provide assistance to you, in case of evacuation
Have supplies in your home (such as tinned food, long life products and non-cook food) that will enable you to cope for up to 3 days should you be unable to evacuate
Where possible, move valuable/ irreplaceable items to upper floors during times of flood risk
Flooding presents a number of risks to health. UKHSA guidance helps you address those risks and clean up safely
And you are advised to evacuate: decide where you will go and how you will get there, ensure you have enough fuel/charge in your vehicle for your journey or if travelling by public transport, the availability of the services you intend to use. Remember to take your medication and any important documentation with you.
Where possible take your pets with you and let your neighbours know what you are doing
And if you are staying put: have enough supplies for up to three days, take your valuable items upstairs or place them up high to protect them, avoid walking through flood water as there can be hidden dangers
Driving: do not drive through floodwater. A few inches of water is enough to float your car and damage your vehicle. Most deaths caused by flooding happen when people are trapped in cars. A lot of properties are damaged unnecessarily when people drive through floodwater, causing large bow waves.
This site uses cookies that enable us to make improvements, provide relevant content, and for analytics purposes. For more details, see our Cookie Policy. By clicking Accept, you consent to our use of cookies.
