2015–16 Great Britain and Ireland floods

none February 2016 December 2022 Great Britain and Ireland were affected by floods during the winter of late 2015 and early 2016. Eleven named storms produced record level rainfall from November 2015 - March 2016 in both monthly and seasonal accumulation records.https://hydrologyireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/06-Seamus-W-Rainfall-of-winter-2015_2016-Final.pdf 06 – The Rainfall of Winter 2015/16 in Ireland Hydrology Ireland 6 November 2016 30 December 2022 Séamus Walsh Conference paper Antecedent conditions Western Europe saw a series of extratropical cyclones forming in a westerly flow over the Atlantic, directing warm and moist air to the region. A situation developed in a similar manner to that seen during the Autumn 2000 western Europe floods, which saw catchments and soils becoming increasingly saturated. During November high rainfalls associated with the passage of Storm Abigail and the remains of Ex-hurricane Kate brought increasingly high river flows.Ugrin Elena Storm "Abigail" and remnants of Ex-hurricane "Kate" flood parts of UK and Ireland http://thewatchers.adorraeli.com/2015/11/16/storm-abigail-and-remnants-of-ex-hurricane-kate-flood-parts-of-uk-and-ireland/ 28 December 2015 The Watchers 16 November 2015 Many parts of north-west Britain saw almost double the average monthly rainfall for November fall, with the month becoming the second-wettest to affect north-west England and North Wales (behind November 2009) since records began in 1910.Flooding in Cumbria December 2015 http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/interesting/december2015 11 January 2016 Met Office 17 December 2015Prichard Bob November 2015 Very mild and dull. Very wet in central regions. Often windy Weather January 2016 71 1 i–iv 10.1002/wea.2592 freeUK seasonal weather summary Autumn 2015 Weather January 2016 71 1 13 10.1002/wea.2676 2016Wthr...71...13. free Storm Desmond (5 December) thumb|Satellite image of the plume of moist air, known as an atmospheric river, brought to Western Europe by Desmond Storm Desmond Storm Desmond broke the United Kingdom's 24-hour rainfall record, with 341.4 mm of rain falling at Honister Pass, Cumbria, on 5 December 2015.https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/climate/maps-and-data/uk-climate-extremes UK climate extremes Met Office The previous record was set in 2009, also in Cumbria, when 316.4 mm of rain fell in Seathwaite. The highest standard 0900 GMT – 0900 GMT rain day record, however, remains 279 mm at Martinstown, Dorset set on 18 July 1955. Much of the historical data is recorded in this way.Storm Desmond breaks UK rainfall record http://www.itv.com/news/border/2015-12-07/storm-desmond-breaks-uk-rainfall-record/ 10 December 2015 ITV 7 December 2015 The 48‑hour rainfall record was also beaten, with Thirlmere reporting 405 mm of rain falling up to 0800 GMT on 6 December 2015, compared to the previous record of 395.6 mm on 18–19 November 2009 at Seathwaite. Desmond created an atmospheric river in its wake, bringing in moist air from the Caribbean to the British Isles. As a result, rainfall from Desmond was unusually heavy, with the Norwegian Meteorological Institute designating Desmond an extreme weather event as a result of the amount of rain that fell. The heavy rainfall caused a waterfall to appear at Malham Cove for a short period of time; this had not previously happened in living memory.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-35024253 Malham Cove: Storm Desmond brings 'highest' waterfall back to life BBC News Cumbria and Lancashire floods thumbnail|left|Carlisle Civic Centre in the floodwater, December 2015 Heavy rainfall from Desmond caused severe disruption. Appleby, Keswick and Kendal in the English county of Cumbria suffered blocked roads, collapsed bridges and some homes were evacuated; Cumbria Police declared the situation a "major incident".Storm Desmond brings flooding and disruption to parts of UK https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35014745 5 December 2015 BBC News 5 December 2015 Many houses in Carlisle were flooded, and tens of thousands of properties in Lancaster lost power when a sub-station was flooded.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35023558 Storm Desmond: Thousands of people flooded out of homes BBC 8 December 2015 8 December 2015 As a result of this event 3,500 properties were flooded in the UK, mostly in NW England, 2,000 of these in Carlisle.Northwest UK Floods December 4–6, 2015 http://alert.air-worldwide.com/EventSummary.aspx?e=818&tp=31&c=1 27 December 2015 Air Worldwide 12 December 2015 The village of Glenridding flooded for a second time on 9 December.Quinn Ben Cumbrian village deals with more devastation as river bursts banks again https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/dec/09/glenridding-defences-fail-as-flood-waters-rise-in-isolated-cumbria-town 26 December 2015 The Guardian 10 December 2015 In the county three bridges were washed away, Coledale High Bridge in Braithwaite, the Fitz Footbridge in Keswick, and that at Pooley Bridge in the Eden District.Government announces £50m fund for flood victims http://www.itv.com/news/update/2015-12-06/three-bridges-washed-away-by-floods-in-cumbria/ 29 December 2015 ITV News 6 December 2015 Part of the A591 road an important north–south artery between Grasmere and Keswick in the Lake District, was washed away at Dunmail Raise with a landslip occurring adjacent to Thirlmere.Road between Grasmere and Keswick destroyed http://www.itv.com/news/border/update/2015-12-06/road-between-grasmere-and-keswick-destroyed/ ITN News 6 December 2015 7 December 2015Police release statement on A591 http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/14128746.A591_reopens_at_Prizet/ Westmorland Gazette 7 December 2015 7 December 2015 Ireland In the Republic of Ireland, the worst affected areas were the province of Connacht and counties Donegal, Westmeath, Tipperary, Limerick, Clare, Cork and Kerry. Several, particularly local, roads were closed as a result of rivers breaching their banks and excess rainfall. In Connacht, the damage was worst in Athleague, Ballinasloe, Carrick-on-Shannon, Claregalway, Crossmolina, Foxford and Galway City. Millions of euros worth of damage was caused in Bandon, Fermoy, Kenmare and Tralee, while the Blackpool area of Cork City was severely affected by a high level of water flow in the River Lee. Heavy rain has also resulted in severe flooding in communities along the River Shannon, namely Athlone, Portumna, Shannon Harbour, Montpelier, Castleconnell, Clonlara, Parteen, Annacotty and Limerick City. The river breached its banks in Athlone on 9 December. Flooding 'not set to peak until Sunday' and threat will remain next week – national emergency meeting – Independent.ie http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/flooding-not-set-to-peak-until-sunday-and-threat-will-remain-next-week-national-emergency-meeting-34272118.html Independent.ie 9 December 2015 11 December 2015 Other areas affected due to heavy rainfall included Bray, Clonmel and Ennis. In Glaslough, County Monaghan, the dead body of a 70-year-old man was found when his car was believed to have become trapped in a dipped part of a flooded road. Singer Ivan Vaughan dies in floods in Co Monaghan http://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/singer-ivan-vaughan-dies-in-floods-in-co-monaghan-1.2458501 The Irish Times 11 December 2015 en-US Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and the Isle of Man Approximately 1,000 people were evacuated from their homes in the town of Hawick in the Scottish Borders as a result of the River Teviot flooding. The River Nith burst its banks in Dumfries, flooding part of the town,https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-35014930 Red Warning as Storm Desmond batters parts of Scotland BBC News 5 December 2015 6 December 2015 with a major emergency being declared in Dumfries & Galloway as a result.http://www.itv.com/news/border/2015-12-05/major-emergency-declared-in-dumfries-galloway/ Major emergency declared in Dumfries & Galloway ITV News 5 December 2015 6 December 2015 Landslides and flooding closed some main roads in Scotland. Counties Down and Tyrone in Northern Ireland suffered road closures from fallen trees. Further heavy rainfall exacerbated existing problems on the Isle of Man, which had been struck by localised flash flooding on 3 December,https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-isle-of-man-35005424 Bridge collapse bus to be recovered after IoM flooding BBC News 4 December 2015 6 December 2015 with warnings that Desmond could bring more flooding and more damage to the island.http://www.manxradio.com/news/isle-of-man-news/storm-desmond-expected-to-wreak-more-havoc/ Storm Desmond expected to wreak more havoc Manx Radio 6 December 2015 In Wales, heavy rainfall led to flooding close to Llandygai, near Bangor in Gwynedd, with RNLI coastguard helicopters rescuing one person from their car.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-35014818 700 homes without power as 83mph winds batter north Wales BBC News 5 December 2015 6 December 2015 Flooding was also reported on Anglesey, in parts of Powys and in and around the South Wales city of Swansea. Wind damage was reported in Llandudno and winds gusted to 83 mph within the Snowdonia National Park. Storm Eva (24 December) Storm Eva Eva was the fifth storm to be officially named by Met Éireann on 22 December 2015, with an orange wind warning being issued for counties Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal. Gales were also expected in the northwest of the UK, with storm force winds over parts of the Outer Hebrides.Storm Eva http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-eva 23 December 2015 Met Office 22 December 2015 24 December 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151224052951/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/uk-storm-centre/storm-eva dead Rain associated with the passage of Eva caused further disruption when rivers burst their banks in the Cumbrian towns of Appleby, Keswick and Kendal on 22 December, with Appleby receiving three to four feet of flood water.Perring Rebecca Army on standby for flooding crisis as shock FIVE INCHES of rain to come with Storm Eva Express.co.uk 24 December 2015 http://www.express.co.uk/news/weather/629238/Storm-Eva-flooding-Christmas-weather-rain-armed-forces 10 January 2016Storm Eva brings fresh flooding fears for Cumbria BBC News 23 December 2015 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-35166747 24 December 2015 The village of Glenridding was badly flooded for the third time in the month.Glover Mike Further flooding worsens troubles for Cumbrian towns hit by Storm Desmond The Guardian 22 December 2015 https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/dec/22/further-flooding-cumbria-storm-desmond 24 December 2015 6000 houses in Ireland were left without power.Over 6,000 without power as Storm Eva hits RTÉ.ie 24 December 2015 http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/1223/755824-storm-eva-warnings/ 10 January 2016 Liz Truss convened a COBRA meeting to decide on emergency measures, which included the deployment of soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, Duke of Lancaster's RegimentFlood warnings as Britain is braced for torrential Boxing Day rain Isle of Man Today 29 December 2015 http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/flood-warnings-as-britain-is-braced-for-torrential-boxing-day-rain-1-7643218 10 January 2016 June 2017 InternetArchiveBot yes to the affected areas.Storm Eva brings fresh flooding fears for Cumbria BBC News 23 December 2015 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-35166747 10 January 2016Flooded Cumbrian families are facing further misery on Christmas Day The Independent 23 December 2015 https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/storm-eva-flooded-cumbrian-families-face-prospect-of-christmas-day-washout-a6784926.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/storm-eva-flooded-cumbrian-families-face-prospect-of-christmas-day-washout-a6784926.html 1 May 2022 subscription live 10 January 2016 On 24 December, flood defence gates were closed in Carlisle, Keswick and Cockermouth to limit the damage of rainfall and 20 water pumps and two kilometres of temporary flood barriers were transported to northern England.Storm poses Christmas Day flooding threat for thousands of homes Bradford Telegraph and Argus http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/national/14164928.Storm_poses_Christmas_Day_flooding_threat_for_thousands_of_homes/ 10 January 2016 Ferries operating between Dublin and Holyhead were cancelled due to bad weather on the Irish Sea.Homes and businesses to get electricity back after storm damage https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/republic-of-ireland/homes-and-businesses-to-get-electricity-back-after-storm-damage-34312824.html belfasttelegraph 28 July 2020 Christmas and Boxing Day rain The Environment Agency issued seven severe flood warnings across Lancashire and 21 severe flood warnings across Yorkshire on 26 December.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35181139 UK floods: Homes evacuated amid heavy rain BBC News 26 December 2015 thumb|The Waterside, a public house in Summerseat that partially collapsed into the River Irwell on Boxing Day, photographed in the aftermath of the collapse Northern England flooding The worst of the flooding occurred on the night of Christmas Day and throughout Boxing Day across Lancashire and Yorkshire. On 26 December, homes were evacuated in Calder Valley, West Yorkshire, and in Ribchester and Whalley, Lancashire; according to the Environment Agency, every river in Lancashire peaked at their highest levels since records began. thumb|right|The River Wharfe risen to the height of the bridge at Wetherby, West Yorkshire. thumb|Partially collapsed Tadcaster Bridge (30 December 2015) Flooding caused at least two explosions in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, as gas mains were ruptured. One explosion and subsequent fire occurred as a result of a footbridge being swept away by the River Irwell, with footage of the incident being widely shared on social media.http://news.sky.com/story/1612780/flooding-causes-gas-blast-as-bridge-washed-away Flooding Causes Gas Blast As Bridge Washed Away Sky News Floodwater also entered an electricity sub station in Hebden Bridge producing a fire. In Summerseat, Greater Manchester, a historic 200-year-old pub on a bridge over the River Irwell close to the East Lancashire Railway partially collapsed into the river as it burst its banks on 26 December. The Irwell also burst its banks downstream in Manchester city centre. Around 3,000 homes were left without power in North and West Yorkshire on 26 December as a result of an electricity substation being flooded.http://www.itv.com/news/calendar/update/2015-12-26/floods-latest-boxing-day-power-cuts-for-thousands-in-yorkshire/ Floods latest: Boxing Day power cuts for thousands in Yorkshire ITV News Most of the power outages occurred in the Calder Valley and around Bingley and Skipton, with substation owners Northern Powergrid stating that their engineers cannot safely reach the substations to assess the damage due to rising floodwaters. Many parts of Mirfield flooded affecting local businesses The Ship Inn, Mill Carpets and Furniture And Choice who lost 10% of their stock to flood damage.https://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/furniture-choice-considering-warehouse-relocation-10896180 Furniture Choice considering warehouse relocation after 600 sofas ruined in Boxing Day floods Samantha Gildea 15 February 2016 thumb|left|The River Aire at Farsley on 27 December. In Leeds the River Aire flooded over its banks causing flooding in the Kirkstall Road area of the city, blocking a main route into the city.Leeds floods video: Kirkstall Road 'like a river – people can't believe what they're seeing' http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/top-stories/leeds-floods-video-kirkstall-road-like-a-river-people-can-t-believe-what-they-re-seeing-1-7644085 14 January 2016 Yorkshire Evening Post 27 December 2015 A total of 7,574 homes across the north of England were without power by 08:00 on 27 December. Around 5,500 of these homes without power were located in the town of Rochdale in Greater Manchester, where a major electricity substation was flooded.http://news.sky.com/story/1612736/pm-deploys-more-troops-to-help-flood-victims PM Deploys More Troops To Help Flood Victims Sky News As a result of power outages in Rochdale, electricity customers were told to limit their electricity usage to prevent further blackouts, for example by switching off their Christmas lights.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-england-35182274 North of England flooding BBC News 28 December 2015 30 December 2022 Electricity provider Electricity North West warned that some homes may be without power until 28 December. In York, the Environment Agency were forced to open the Foss Barrier which has protected the city centre since 1987, as the control room had become flooded and the pumps were in danger of failing. To prevent the River Foss backing up and causing flooding, the Agency raised the barrier, allowing the flood waters from the River Ouse to move up the Foss.Krol Charlotte UK floods: Army helicopter airlifts spare parts for damaged Foss barrier https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/weather/12071578/UK-floods-Army-helicopter-airlifts-spare-parts-for-damaged-Foss-barrier.html https://web.archive.org/web/20151228143454/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/weather/12071578/UK-floods-Army-helicopter-airlifts-spare-parts-for-damaged-Foss-barrier.html dead 28 December 2015 29 December 2015 Telegraph 28 December 2015 The action caused some 600 households in the city to flood whereas the Environment agency estimated 1800 homes would have flooded were the barrier not lifted.Bean Dan Flooding envoy visits York http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/14181123.Flooding_envoy_visits_York/ 6 January 2016 York Press 4 January 2016 The BT telephone exchange flooded, cutting landline and wi-fi broadband services for thousands of York customersYork 2015: Anatomy of a Flood Disaster https://futureclimateinfo.com/case-studies/york-2015-anatomy-of-a-flood-disaster/ Future Climate Info 12 June 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20220524143449/https://futureclimateinfo.com/case-studies/york-2015-anatomy-of-a-flood-disaster/ 24 May 2022 20 February 2019 and the loss of emergency-call service for Hull for around four hours. KCOM was later fined 900000 by regulator Ofcom.KCOM fined £900,000 for emergency-call failure https://www.ofcom.org.uk/about-ofcom/latest/media/media-releases/2017/kcom-fined-900,000-for-emergency-call-failure Ofcom 12 June 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20210124093414/https://www.ofcom.org.uk/about-ofcom/latest/media/media-releases/2017/kcom-fined-900,000-for-emergency-call-failure 24 January 2021 8 August 2017Hall Kat KCOM whacked with £900k Ofcom fine over 999 call handling https://www.theregister.com/2017/08/08/kcom_whacked_with_900k_ofcom_fine_over_999_call_handling/ www.theregister.com 12 June 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20230526072529/https://www.theregister.com/2017/08/08/kcom_whacked_with_900k_ofcom_fine_over_999_call_handling/ 26 May 2023 en On 29 December part of Tadcaster Bridge in North Yorkshire collapsed due to flooding,http://www.northyorks.gov.uk/31665 North Yorkshire County Council Statement on Tadcaster Bridge 30 December 2015 30 December 2015 4 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304213029/http://www.northyorks.gov.uk/31665 dead having been closed since 27 December due to fears it had been structurally compromised.Storm Frank: More heavy rain expected in flood-hit areas http://www.itv.com/news/update/2015-12-29/york-floods-tadcaster-bridge-partially-collapses/ 29 December 2015 ITV News 29 December 2015 Sport Heavy rainfall overnight on 25 and 26 December led to the cancellation of dozens of Boxing Day football fixtures. In the Scottish Premiership, waterlogged pitches led to the postponement of fixtures between Dundee United and Motherwell and between Partick Thistle and St Johnstone. In addition, one Scottish Championship fixture, one Scottish League One fixture and one Scottish League Two fixture were also postponed due to Eva.Erdman Jon Storm Desmond Lashes U.K., Ireland With Flooding, Winds Over 100 MPH; Taps Caribbean Moisture http://www.weather.com/news/news/storm-desmond-uk-ireland-scotland-december-2015 6 December 2015 Weather.com 6 December 2015 Additionally, in England, the Championship fixture between Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough was postponed, as were five fixtures in League One, three fixtures in League Two and three fixtures in the National League. In horseracing, the meeting due to be held on 26 December at Wetherby Racecourse was cancelled owing to flooding.26/12/15 The 188BET Yorkshire Christmas Meeting – ABANDONED Wetherby Racecourse http://www.wetherbyracing.co.uk/news/?item=167 26 December 2015 28 December 2015 Transport Road The Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and North Wales Police warned motorists not to travel unless absolutely necessary, with heavy rainfall and high winds leading to widespread road closures. The M62 motorway was closed westbound between junctions 20 (for Rochdale) and 19 (for Middleton) after heavy rainfall caused a large sinkhole to appear across the carriageway. The Tadcaster Bridge over the River Wharfe at Tadcaster, North Yorkshire collapsed on 29 December.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35192138 UK floods: Storm Frank threatens more misery BBC News 29 December 2015 29 December 2015 The bridge over the Wharfe between Collingham and Linton was also closed after a partial collapse.http://news.leeds.gov.uk/people-warned-to-avoid-linton-bridge-due-to-flood-damage/ People warned to avoid Linton Bridge due to flood damage Leeds City Council 4 January 2015 Rail First TransPennine Express and Northern Rail both warned passengers not to travel on 27 December. Flooding on railway lines across West Yorkshire, particularly around Leeds, resulted in the suspension of all services between Leeds and Bradford Forster Square, Carlisle, Harrogate, Ilkley, Manchester Victoria, Morecambe, Skipton and York. A landslide at Chorley resulted in the suspension of services between Manchester, Bolton and Preston, while another landslide at Haydon Bridge resulted in the suspension of Newcastle to Carlisle services. Disruption was also reported on services between Wigan Wallgate and Bolton and between Carlisle and Whitehaven as a result of flooding on 27 December.https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/today.aspx National Rail Enquiries - Latest Travel www.nationalrail.co.uk Response Domestic thumb|Floodwater is pumped back into the retreating River Derwent at Malton on 27 December. Prime Minister David Cameron issued a statement on 27 December after chairing an emergency COBRA crisis meeting on Storm Eva, describing the floods as "unprecedented" and "incredibly serious" and pledging help to those affected by sending out more troops to help with the defence and clearup of the floods.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35184999 UK floods: Homes evacuated after 'unprecedented' flooding BBC News 27 December 2015 The Times reported that senior politicians regarded the floods as being the result of extreme weather caused by climate change.The Times 28 December 2015 4 Savage Michael Mostrous Alexi Moody Oliver Flood crisis grips cities with more rain forecast London Labour Shadow Environment Secretary Kerry McCarthy criticised the government for cutting spending on flood defences, stating that as "unprecedented" weather events become more common, spending on flood defences should be increased. British astronaut Tim Peake tweeted an image from the ISS expressing concern for flood victims.Astronaut Tim Peake's concern for UK floods https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35190647 29 December 2015 BBC News 28 December 2015 Tim Peake Tim Peake astro_timpeake 681132306434768896 27 December 2015 Passed over UK today – thoughts are with all those affected by flooding in northern England. 10 January 2016 International Malta – President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca wrote to Queen Elizabeth II expressing solidarity with the flood victims.President expresses solidarity with flood victims in UK http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20151228/local/president-expresses-solidarity-with-flood-victims-in-uk.597078 28 December 2015 Times of Malta 28 December 2015 Storm Frank (29 December) The Met Office announced the trailing weather front of the storm named Frank would likely cause further disruption. Amber 'be prepared' rainfall warnings were in force, resulting in severe flood warnings in England and Scotland, meaning "danger to life".Storm Frank to bring another spell of wet and windy weather http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/archive/2015/storm-frank 28 December 2015 Met Office 28 December 2015Widespread flood warnings as UK braces for Storm Frank https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/dec/29/storm-frank-widespread-flood-warnings-uk-weather 31 December 2015 The Guardian 29 December 2015 thumbnail|right|Service disruption notice Glasgow Central railway station 31 December 2015 Frank caused severe flooding in Scotland with the towns of Dumfries, Peebles and Ballater flooded by the rivers Nith, Tweed and Dee.After Storm Frank, Scotland rallies to fix itself amid the chaos https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jan/01/after-storm-frank-scotland-rallies-to-fix-itself-amid-the-chaos 2 January 2016 The Guardian 1 January 2016 Abergeldie Castle was left on the brink of serious damage after flooding eroded the banks of the Dee within feet of the foundations.McPherson Lynn Historic castle on brink of disaster as new storm sparks fresh flood fears across Scotland http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/historic-castle-brink-disaster-new-7109700 3 January 2016 Daily Record 3 January 2016 On 4 January, Network Rail announced the West Coast Main Line between Carlisle and Glasgow would be closed until 1 February, with passengers either diverted through Dumfries or transferred to coaches due to significant damage to the Lamington Viaduct.West Coast Main Line closed between Glasgow and Carlisle until February http://news.stv.tv/west-central/1337885-west-coast-main-line-closed-between-glasgow-carlisle-until-february/ 6 January 2016 STV 4 January 2016 Part of Birnbeck Pier at Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, collapsed during storms on 30 December 2015.Section of Birnbeck Pier collapses into sea BBC News 30 December 2015 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-35199177 30 December 2015 Elland bridge in Calderdale West Yorkshire partially collapsed on 29 December.Elland Bridge flood damage: Government awards £5m towards rebuilding https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-35337460 17 January 2016 BBC News 17 January 2016 January 2016 In early January heavy rain was primarily affecting eastern Scotland and north east England. The Met Office issued amber warnings for Moray, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Perthshire and Stirlingshire on 4 January.Homes flooded in Scotland as heavy rain hits https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-35221823 6 January 2016 BBC News 4 January 2016 Flooding was reported to have almost cut off the town of Whitby on 4 January.Whitby cut off by 'unprecedented' levels of flooding http://www.itv.com/news/calendar/2016-01-04/whitby-cut-off-by-unprecedented-levels-of-flooding/ 6 January 2016 ITV News 4 January 2016 On the night of 7 January, Aberdeenshire Council reported an escalating emergency response due to flooding. At first, this was confined to rivers Dee and Ythan, but later, on 8 January, had focused around flooding around Coulter, South Lanarkshire. Up to 70 properties were evacuated in total and the impacts of the storm caused disruption to rail, road, air travel, power cuts and school closures. Flooding, freezing temperature and snow reduced the ability for services to rescue and safely contain people. The River Don reached its highest water levels for 45 years. The River Ythan broke its all-time record level in one location. Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon described the impacts as "devastating" and Richard Brown, head of hydrology for Sepa, described the Don's water levels as "pretty exceptional".Scotland flooding: Record high for river levels https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-35259398 4 February 2016 BBC News 8 January 2016 Aftermath In response to the flooding, there has been criticism of the way in which flood risk is communicated to the public, as return periods of a 1 in 100 year flooding could be misleading, as a 1 in 100 year event means a 1% chance of one occurring in any given year, not that it is expected to happen once every hundred years. The dynamic nature of the underlying climate conditions behind such assumptions has also been questioned,Alexander Ruth Flood risk: what is a 'one in a 100 year' event? https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03bd6bd 9 December 2015 BBC Radio 4 7 December 2015 with the Environment Agency stating that a "complete rethink" of the UK's flood defences is needed.UK floods: 'Complete rethink needed' on flood defences https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35188146 28 December 2015 BBC News 28 December 2015 In popular culture The floods are the topic of Clare Shaw's poetry collection Flood (2018).Editorial 2024-11-10 The Guardian view on the rise of eco-poetry: writing cannot ignore global heating https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/nov/10/the-guardian-view-on-the-rise-of-eco-poetry-writing-cannot-ignore-global-heating 2025-06-07 The Guardian en-GB 0261-3077 References DuplicateReferences script detected: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-35166747 (refs: 25, 29) October 2026 30em External links Centre for Ecology and Hydrology: The winter floods of 2015/2016 in the UK - a review The winter 2015/2016 floods in the UK: a hydrological appraisal Winter 2015 floods: government response Centre for Ecology and Hydrology: Briefing 15/01 North West floods – Hydrological update https://web.archive.org/web/20160113172703/http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news-and-media/blogs/north-west-floods-hydrological-update 13 January 2016 Centre for Ecology and Hydrology Briefing Note: Severity of the December 2015 floods – preliminary analysis Scottish Flood Forecasting Service: Storm Desmond – Scotland’s first red flood risk NASA's IMERG Measures Flooding Rainfall In Northwest England (Desmond) Hansard, HoC debate: Flooding 5 January 2016 Category:2010s floods in Europe Category:2015 floods Floods Floods Category:2010s floods in the United Kingdom Category:2015 disasters in the United Kingdom Great Britain And Ireland floods Category:Floods in Ireland Great Britain and Ireland floods 2015 Great Britain and Ireland floods Great Britain Floods Floods Category:2016 disasters in the United Kingdom Category:2016 floods