It may be more than 7,000 miles away, as it steadily gathers up energy over the Pacific Ocean from the heating planet, but “Godzilla” El Niño has prompted weather experts and the government to warn householders across the country to prepare for a winter battering, with widespread flooding being predicted.
Flash floods: heavy rains in June led to patches of flooding on residential roads in the south of the borough where drains had not been cleared for many months
This year’s El Niño, a weather system over the Pacific, is being measured to be potentially more ferocious than anything seen in recent history. Hence the monster Godzilla tag, as its impact is expected to be felt around the globe.
The government is looking to boost resilience to flooding ahead of potential extreme weather this autumn and winter, with a taskforce meeting to assess the preparedness of neighbourhoods across the country.
Experts say there is a higher likelihood of storms and high rainfall in the coming weeks. Models also suggest a higher chance of cold snaps in the second half of the winter.
Areas of Croydon, particularly low-lying parts of Purley and Kenley, have been badly affected by localised flooding in recent years. Council cuts mean that seasonal clearing of drains have become less frequent, increasing the risks of flash flooding after heavy downpours.
“Climate change means that extreme weather can switch quickly, but we’re more prepared than ever before for the challenges posed by floods,” Emma Hardy, the flooding minister, said.
Flood website: Environment Agency’s Caroline Douglass
An investment of £4.2billion into flood defences is intended to improve resilience to the affects of climate change, including rising sea levels. But none of those improvements are likely to be ready for Godzilla.
“We are continuing to step up our defences against the weather, and encourage everyone to check their flood risk, prepare a flood plan and follow warnings to protect their home and family,” Hardy said.
Flood warning notices for all areas are available from the Environment Agency’s website. The Agency is staging the annual Flood Action Week to encourage the public to prepare.
“it’s never been more important for people to understand what they can do to prepare,” said EA’s director for floods, Caroline Douglass.
“This Flood Action Week, our new flood website will make it easier than ever to access helpful guidance, while our ongoing investment and maintenance programme will ensure our flood defences continue to protect the areas that need them most.
“As we head into the winter, our teams are ready to respond around the clock, backed by hundreds of pumps and kilometres of temporary barriers, but we can all play our part in making a difference.”
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There have been several floods along the Wandle in Sutton in recent years, including one which brought water into several homes, destroying carpets and furniture. A group of us are in contact with the Environment Agency to ascertain what measures can be brought to bear to prevent further flooding. A recent letter from them described their policy as prioritising “value for money”. We have asked for investigation into a new flood storage area which was constructed by Goat Bridge when the weir was removed. It failed to take any water when nearby properties flooded in May this year.