UK Taskforce Prepares for Flood Risks Before Winter

The UK government has launched a Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce to assess national readiness for possible extreme winter weather, bringing together officials and industry groups as forecasts indicate a higher chance of wet, windy and stormy conditions across the country.

The first meeting will be hosted by Defra Minister Emma Hardy on Wednesday with the Met Office, Environment Agency, mayoral authorities, farming, water and insurance representatives. The Environment Agency said about 6.3 million homes and businesses in England remain at risk of flooding.

Defra said the government has committed at least £10.5 billion through 2036 to protect homes, businesses and critical infrastructure from flood threats. The taskforce follows a summer of record temperatures and widespread drought conditions across the UK.

Emma Hardy said the taskforce would create a coordinated approach to managing water risks after extreme weather affected communities across the country.

"We're facing extreme weather, with flood and drought intertwined, but the government is taking decisive action," said Emma Hardy, Defra Minister.

Hardy said the initiative would focus on communities and businesses while preparing for future weather challenges.

"We're taking a smarter, more joined-up approach to manage the nation's water and set up our new Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce," said Emma Hardy, Defra Minister.

The minister also highlighted the role of the taskforce in improving preparedness among affected areas.

"This will put communities and businesses at the heart of our work and will make sure the UK is ready for whatever the weather brings next," said Emma Hardy, Defra Minister.

The Met Office said seasonal forecasts show an increased likelihood of wetter than average conditions during autumn, with El Niño among several factors influencing weather patterns. It also said the phenomenon is expected to reach its peak near the end of the year.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said Northern Ireland residents should prepare for possible severe weather, noting that around 45,000 homes and businesses are located in areas at risk of flooding across the North.

"Flooding can also pose a serious risk to life and have lasting impacts on homes, businesses and communities," said Liz Kimmins, Infrastructure Minister.

Kimmins said climate change has increased the importance of preparation as rainfall events become more intense and frequent.

"As climate change increases the likelihood of more frequent and intense rainfall events, preparedness and resilience has never been more important," said Liz Kimmins, Infrastructure Minister.

The Met Office said recent seasonal forecasts suggest a greater chance of heavy rain periods, while warning that forecasts indicate broad trends rather than exact locations and timing of severe weather.

"El Niño is one of several factors that influence the UK's weather. While it can increase the likelihood of wetter conditions overall, it is only part of a bigger picture," said Will Lang, Met Office chief meteorologist.

Lang added that North Atlantic weather patterns also play a significant role in conditions affecting Northern Ireland and the UK.

"Weather patterns in the North Atlantic also have a significant influence on the conditions we experience across the Northern Ireland and the UK," said Will Lang, Met Office chief meteorologist.

The Environment Agency has advised households to check flood risks, register for alerts, create emergency plans and take steps such as protecting valuables and maintaining drains before winter weather arrives.