2012 Great Britain and Ireland floods

Series of natural disasters in 2012 July 2020 April 2014 2012 Flooding Overwhelmed Flood sign, Upton-upon-Severn.jpg The road to Hanley Castle, Worcestershire is under water and still rising, November 2012. April 2012 – Early 2013 United Kingdom and Ireland at least 9 £1 billion (November estimate) €1.2 billion thumbnail|250px|right|Flooding on the road to Nether Heyford from Upper Heyford Northamptonshire in April. The 2012 Great Britain and Ireland floods were a series of weather events that affected parts of Great Britain and Ireland periodically during the course of 2012 and on through the winter into 2013. The beginning of 2012 saw much of the United Kingdom experiencing droughts and a heat wave in March. A series of low pressure systems steered by the jet stream brought the wettest April in 100 years, and flooding across Britain and Ireland. Continuing through May and leading to the wettest beginning to June in 150 years, with flooding and extreme events occurring periodically throughout Britain and parts of Atlantic Europe. On 27 and 28 June and again on 7 July heavy rain events occurred from powerful thunderstorms that gathered strength as they travelled across mainland Britain. Severe weather warnings and a number of flood alerts were issued by the UK's Environment Agency, and many areas were hit by flash floods that overwhelmed properties and caused power cuts. A motorist was killed after his vehicle was caught by floodwater and landslides halted rail services between England and Scotland. The thunderstorms were the product of two fronts that collided over the British Isles – warm air travelling from the Azores and cold water-ladened air from the west. The second batch of flooding struck the South-West of England during the afternoon of 6 July, forcing the Met Office to issue its highest alert, Red (Take Action), due to the significant amounts of rainfall caused by a system travelling from Southern Europe, along with the warm, humid air the United Kingdom had seen in the run-up to the floods, which, like the June floods, caused thunderstorms. During the Autumn the most intense September low since 1981 brought widespread flooding and wind damage to the UK.What's bringing the stormy weather to the UK? 24 September 2012 http://metofficenews.wordpress.com/2012/09/24/whats-bringing-the-stormy-weather-to-the-uk/ Met Office 26 September 2012 28 September 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120928011625/http://metofficenews.wordpress.com/2012/09/24/whats-bringing-the-stormy-weather-to-the-uk/ live Widespread flooding occurred again in November, December and January 2013, as more heavy rains overwhelmed the saturated ground. Spring in the UK A series of extratropical cyclones brought the wettest April to many parts of the United Kingdom. Beginning with the storm Gritt (2–11 April 995 hPa) a low system tracking south over the UK and Ireland bringing storm force winds and heavy snowfall just a week after many areas of the UK experienced temperatures above 20 C F. 50,000 people were left without power in Northern England, nine Belgian tourists were rescued from blizzards on Ben Macdui, Scotland. A cargo ship ran aground near to Conwy in Wales. The trans-Pennine Woodhead pass route was closed to traffic and the M62 motorway was disrupted. This was followed by the storm Petra (22–29 April 970 hPa) and Queenie (27 April–11 May 988 hPa). Heavy rains led to flooding after a wet April in the UK. 5,000 homes in Wales were without electricity, as winds brought down trees in SW areas of the British Isles. Flood Warnings were in force across much of the UK. A man died after a car became trapped in a Berkshire ford.Man dies in submerged car in ford near Newbury https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-17896411 BBC 30 April 2012 30 April 2012 2 May 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120502125144/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-17896411 live The wet weather resulted in the cancellation of the Badminton Horse Trials.Badminton Horse Trials cancelled amid South West flood alerts https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-17892419 BBC 30 April 2012 30 April 2012 30 April 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120430184258/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-17892419 live Towards the end of May there was a brief warm dry period.The UK's wet summer, the jet stream and climate change http://metofficenews.wordpress.com/2012/07/12/the-uks-wet-summer-the-jet-stream-and-climate-change/ 12 December 2012 Met Office News Blog, in collaboration with the Walker Institute for Climate System Research, University of Reading 12 July 2012 13 December 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121213140000/http://metofficenews.wordpress.com/2012/07/12/the-uks-wet-summer-the-jet-stream-and-climate-change/ live Summer Storms June 3 June saw the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant beleaguered by heavy rain, 46 people from the boats were treated for the effects of the cold weather, and six were taken to hospital with symptoms of hypothermia.https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/jun/03/diamond-jubilee-royal-queen Diamond jubilee: it's a royal washout – but one million pay tribute to Queen 3 June 2012 The Guardian 5 June 2012 Caroline Davies 28 September 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130928201936/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/jun/03/diamond-jubilee-royal-queen live On 9 June severe flooding began around Aberystwyth, West Wales with people evacuated from 2 holiday parks, with 150 people saved from lifeboats in 4–5 ft of water. 10–11 June saw a small but active area of low pressure track slowly east through the English Channel, eventually becoming slow moving for almost 24 hours near the Sussex coast.West Sussex County Council Report on June 2012 Flood Event. http://www2.westsussex.gov.uk/osd/flood/final_report.pdf West Sussex County Council 5 March 2013 5 October 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151005030941/http://www2.westsussex.gov.uk/osd/flood/final_report.pdf live Flooding followed in the villages of Almodington, Somerley and Birdham, with Bracklesham Bay Caravan Park and Sussex Beach Holiday Village in Earnley on the Manhood Peninsula also inundated.REVIEW OF THE JUNE 2012 FLOODING IN THE SOUTHERN MANHOOD PENINSULA http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Leisure/SE_Manhood_BVslidesNov2012_Part1.pdf Environment Agency 5 March 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131110143044/http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Leisure/SE_Manhood_BVslidesNov2012_Part1.pdf 10 November 2013 deadVIDEO: It's a flooding nightmare in Bracklesham Bay http://www.chichester.co.uk/news/local/video-it-s-a-flooding-nightmare-in-bracklesham-bay-1-3953475 5 March 2013 Chichester Observer 14 June 2012 16 June 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120616074120/http://www.chichester.co.uk/news/local/video-it-s-a-flooding-nightmare-in-bracklesham-bay-1-3953475 dead Elsewhere in Sussex, flooding occurred at Worthing Hospital and saw basement flats on Littlehampton seafront also under water.Travel warning after roads flood in Chichester area https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-18392059 5 March 2013 BBC News 11 June 2012 18 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120818161120/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-18392059 live 22 June saw over a month's worth of rain fall on areas of the North, with Lancashire, Cumbria and Pennine areas badly hit.Townsend Mark Great northern mop-up begins after a month of rain falls in just one day https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/jun/24/flooding-northern-england-river-calder 5 March 2013 The Guardian 24 June 2012 10 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131110174939/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/jun/24/flooding-northern-england-river-calder live Todmorden, Mytholmroyd and Hebden Bridge saw flash floods which halted trains on the Calder Valley line between Leeds and Manchester Victoria, following a landslip and flooding.Sirens sound after flood warnings for Calder and Colne https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-18559570 5 March 2013 BBC News 23 June 2012 22 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120822103512/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-18559570 live The conditions that led to the extreme weather conditions were caused by a warm front blowing northward from the Azores and an eastward travelling cold front that came together over the British Isles. The first of the severe weather brought heavy rainfall to Northern Ireland on the night of 27 June, with Belfast one of the worst affected areas. Two inches of overnight rain from back building thunderstorms caused flash flooding, damaging properties and leaving 1,000 homes without power for several hours.Alleyne Richard https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/9361898/Thunderstorms-and-floods-with-more-rain-to-come.html Thunderstorms and floods with more rain to come The Daily Telegraph 28 June 2012 30 June 2012 1 July 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120701003904/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/9361898/Thunderstorms-and-floods-with-more-rain-to-come.html live The following day the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said that it had dealt with 700 flood-related calls, while Finance Minister Sammy Wilson announced that those affected by the floods would be eligible to apply for up to £1,000 in emergency funding. Northern Ireland Water reported that its staff had helped to clear sewage from 158 properties, and said it was on "high alert" to deal with further incidents.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-18626561 BBC News Belfast floods: Emergency funding for premises affected BBC 28 June 2012 30 June 2012 30 June 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120630034828/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-18626561 live 28 June supercell storms thumb|Lightning over Europe 28 June 2012 On the morning of 28 June, supercell thunderstorms developed over Wales shortly after 8.00 a.m., then moved separately across England to the Midlands and the north, leaving a trail of disruption in their wake.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-18624085 BBC News Flash flooding: Man found dead as downpours cause chaos BBC 28 June 2012 28 June 2012 28 June 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120628180924/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-18624085 live At one point the Environment Agency had 10 flood warnings and 47 alerts in place for England, mainly in the Midlands and North, while the Scottish Environment Protection Agency had one flood warning and 12 flood alerts covering many areas. One storm affected the Midlands, producing hailstones reported to be larger than golfballs, with conglomerate stones up to 10 cm across. Burbage in Leicestershire saw some of the most severe hail. Another supercell produced a tornado near Sleaford, in Lincolnshire.http://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk/news/local/breaking-news-tornado-hits-sleaford-area-video-1-4001325 BREAKING NEWS: tornado hits Sleaford area - VIDEO - Local - Sleaford Standard www.sleafordstandard.co.uk dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120701003211/http://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk/news/local/breaking-news-tornado-hits-sleaford-area-video-1-4001325 2012-07-01 Homes and businesses were damaged as an inch of rain fell in two hours in some areas of the West Midlands. Hailstones as large as golf balls fell in parts of the East Midlands, while the 2012 Olympic torch relay was briefly halted by lightning. A motorist was swept to his death after his vehicle was overwhelmed by flood waters in Shropshire. Another supercell storm struck Tyneside without warning at the height of the evening rush hour causing widespread damage and travel chaos, locally known as the Toon Monsoon.Archer D.R. Fowler H.J. Characterising flash flood response to intense rainfall and impacts using historical information and gauged data in Britain Journal of Flood Risk Management 11 August 2015 S121–S133 10.1111/jfr3.12187 https://eprint.ncl.ac.uk/fulltext.aspx?url=213994/FF0016DA-D0F8-493E-9A63-FC175FDEB87F.pdf&pub_id=213994 free 9 February 2022 9 February 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220209054103/https://eprints.ncl.ac.uk/file_store/production/213994/FF0016DA-D0F8-493E-9A63-FC175FDEB87F.pdf live Flooded shopping malls were evacuated, Newcastle station was closed, as was the Tyne & Wear Metro, and main road routes were flooded leading to massive tailbacks. Drivers were forced to abandon their cars, with many commuters stranded due to public transport closures. Northern Powergrid reported that 23,000 properties were left without electricity in North-East England after flash flooding and lightning storms hit the area. The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service reported more than 1,500 calls relating to flooding on the night of 28 June.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18639312 Heavy rain: Transport disruption continues BBC News 29 June 2012 10 July 2012 11 July 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120711124327/http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18639312 live 999 land line services were knocked out in some areas and the damage ran to huge amounts only visible the next day after water cleared. Many parts of County Durham and Northumberland were also affected with thousands of homes across the North East left without power due to lightning strikes. Lightning was filmed striking the Tyne Bridge as motorists were sat gridlocked on it. Landslides blocked both main East Coast and West Coast rail lines linking England and Scotland.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-18623801 BBC News Landslides block main rail lines as rains hit Scotland BBC 28 June 2012 28 June 2012 28 June 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120628213258/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-18623801 live Both lines reopened the following day, but problems with overhead power lines forced a second closure of the West Coast line while maintenance was carried out.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-18649453 BBC News East and west coast lines reopen BBC 29 June 2012 30 June 2012 1 July 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120701231626/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-18649453 live Record rainfall totals in June 2012 beat those of 2007 in the UK, which had itself broken a record which had held for nearly 40 years.Summer Floods in the UK: Comparing 2012 and 2007 http://www.air-worldwide.com/Publications/AIR-Currents/2012/Summer-Floods-in-the-UK--Comparing-2012-and-2007/ 1 December 2012 Air Worldwide 26 November 2012 26 October 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131026151913/http://www.air-worldwide.com/Publications/AIR-Currents/2012/Summer-Floods-in-the-UK--Comparing-2012-and-2007/ live thumb|250px|right|A swollen brook flooding a footpath in Graves Park, Sheffield. July On 6 July, a deep low-pressure system started to spread towards the British Isles. The system struck around 1 p.m. during the day, with the Environment Agency issuing flood alerts & warnings throughout the United Kingdom. South Yorkshire experienced heavy rainfall, and 52 people were evacuated from a care home in Thurnscoe due to a flood warning being issued in the area. An emergency command centre was set up by South Yorkshire Police in Sheffield over fears of flooding in the city, and authorities advised people to avoid the Meadowhall area because of high water levels on the River Don.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-18782473 South Yorkshire flood clean-up after heavy rainfall BBC News 10 July 2012 20 June 2018 23 October 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181023071803/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-18782473 live Severe flooding occurred in the city's Graves Park which led to the collapse of a pedestrian footbridge along the Lower Valley Walk. The South West of England also suffered from river & surface flooding, and the Met Office placed the region on a red warning for severe weather.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18722054 Floods as torrential rain hits UK BBC News 5 July 2012 20 June 2018 13 November 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171113114130/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18722054 live Filey lifeboat station rescued six people from an inland caravan park in North Yorkshire which was under 3 feet of floodwater.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-18734372 Six rescued from flooded North Yorkshire caravan park BBC News 6 July 2012 20 June 2018 13 May 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210513075428/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-18734372 live Officials at Silverstone Circuit on the Northamptonshire/Buckinghamshire border had to turn away thousands of fans attending the Formula 1 Grand Prix qualifying sessions on Saturday 7 July due to heavy rainfall the previous day.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18750430 Severe flood warning in South West as heavy rain falls BBC News 6 July 2012 20 June 2018 17 December 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181217004425/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18750430 live In Dorset a couple were killed when heavy rains caused a landslip and partial collapse of the Beaminster Tunnel. 700 tonnes of mud slid onto the roadway completely covering the vehicle on 7 July. Dorset Police at the time were dealing with 150 flood warnings in the county and the evacuation of 180 houses with 400 incidents reported to police control room. A cursory inspection of the landslip did not reveal the presence of the vehicle and it was not until after the couple were reported as missing that the police re-investigated the debris and found the crushed car on 15 July.Couple lay dead for up to week in car under 700 tonnes of mud after tunnel landslide https://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/9405659/Couple-lay-dead-for-up-to-week-in-car-under-700-tonnes-of-mud-after-tunnel-landslide.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120718124515/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/9405659/Couple-lay-dead-for-up-to-week-in-car-under-700-tonnes-of-mud-after-tunnel-landslide.html dead 18 July 2012 24 November 2012 The Telegraph 17 July 2012 The Dorset Police force was criticised for failing to find the bodies sooner and the case was voluntarily referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission to be reviewed.https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/jul/18/beaminster-tunnel-deaths-police-ipcc Beaminster tunnel landslip deaths: police force refers itself to IPCC Steven Morris The Guardian 19 July 2012 19 July 2012 10 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131110174851/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/jul/18/beaminster-tunnel-deaths-police-ipcc live 8 July brought renewed flash-flooding, to the Upper Calder Valley. This was the third time the area had suffered a deluge, within the space of a fortnight. Todmorden, Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd were hit particularly badly. The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, venue for Sailing at the 2012 Summer Olympics, flooded after a nearby lake burst its banks overnight.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-18759211 Weymouth Olympic sailing park and ride site flooded BBC News 8 July 2012 20 June 2018 12 November 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201112012134/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-18759211 live August 4–5 August saw localised flooding across the UK in Devon, Tyne and Wear, West Yorkshire and Southern Scotland from torrential rains, in places exceeding 30 mm over a short time.Heavy showers bring localised flooding to parts of UK http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/archive/2012/downpours-bring-flooding Met Office 23 November 2012 31 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121031110413/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/archive/2012/downpours-bring-flooding live This storm crossed the North Sea and was designated as extreme weather event "Frida" by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute. Rainfall totals up to 100 mm in 24 hours across southern Norway and parts of Denmark resulted in flooding and landslips.Så drabbar extremregnet Sverige http://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/article15219834.ab 25 November 2012 Aftonbladet 6 August 2012 sv 5 September 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120905043214/http://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/article15219834.ab live Towards the end of the month more flash floods were reported in Cumbria, leading to landslides and a derailed train.Train derails in Cumbria after flash floods follow heavy rain http://www.metro.co.uk/news/910138-train-derails-in-cumbria-after-flash-floods-follow-heavy-rain 23 November 2012 metro 30 August 2012 30 September 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120930030544/http://www.metro.co.uk/news/910138-train-derails-in-cumbria-after-flash-floods-follow-heavy-rain live High waters on the River Ehen tore down the side of a house in Egremont, Cumbria.Side of Egremont house falls into River Ehen https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-19395174 23 November 2012 BBC News 28 August 2012 24 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121124024125/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-19395174 live thumb|250px|right|The Swale in flood at Topcliffe, North Yorkshire September 2012 Autumn September 570 homes and businesses were flooded in September according to the Environment Agency.UK floods: Disruption threat receding https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19739732 23 November 2012 BBC 27 September 2012 14 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121114063752/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19739732 live The worst hit areas were Wales, Yorkshire and North East England. In Newburn, Newcastle upon Tyne a block of flats was completely undermined by floodwaters leaving the block looking precarious with the pile foundations exposed. Engineering surveys resulted in the likelihood that the homes were unsalvageable, leaving angry residents looking for the landowners and developers to take responsibility. The River Ouse in York reached a peak height of 5.02 m over normal. In North Yorkshire the British Army were called on to deploy sandbags in the village of Cawood to help save homes and businesses. A young couple who were walking their dogs along the River Clywedog near to Wrexham were caught in the flooded waters and drowned.Carter Helen UK flooding: north Wales couple drowned in 'tragic accident' https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/sep/27/uk-flooding-wrexham-couple-drowned 12 December 2012 The Guardian 27 September 2012 10 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131110174854/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/sep/27/uk-flooding-wrexham-couple-drowned live Local authorities were left reeling from the floods asked the government to set up an emergency capital highways maintenance fund to help with the expected cost of bridge, road and infrastructure repairs from the flooding, as they had done during the widespread 2007 United Kingdom floods. October The bad weather and flooded rivers around Machynlleth hindered the search for the missing schoolgirl April Jones.Morris Steven April Jones search resumes after bad weather forces overnight halt https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/oct/06/april-jones-hunt-resumes 12 December 2012 The Guardian 6 October 2012 7 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121007044701/http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/oct/06/april-jones-hunt-resumes live 11 October brought flooding to the Devon village of Clovelly following 5 cm (2 in) of rainfall, a torrent of water cascaded down the steep cobbled main street to the harbour.Floods hit Devon village of Clovelly https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/oct/11/floods-devon-village-clovelly 25 November 2012 The Guardian 11 October 2012 10 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131110173329/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/oct/11/floods-devon-village-clovelly live November On 18 November southern and western Scotland saw intense rainfall which caused localised flooding, the Trossachs, South Argyll and parts of Dumfries and Galloway were particularly badly affected, with widespread reports of local flooding from the towns of Comrie, Dunblane, Aberfoyle and Callander. In Comrie, around 100 properties were affected. The Glasgow area saw more than 50 mm of rain fall and some flooding.Event Brief: November 2012 UK Floods http://www.jbarisk.com/sites/www.jbarisk.com/files/pictures/NovemberUKEventBrief.pdf JBA Risk Management 29 December 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20131110142831/http://www.jbarisk.com/sites/www.jbarisk.com/files/pictures/NovemberUKEventBrief.pdf 10 November 2013 dead The Rest and Be Thankful section of the A83 road in Argyll saw a landslip of an estimated 150 tonnes of material close the road for the fifth time in six years.Scotland Flooding https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-20394234 29 December 2012 RMS Reactions: Catastrophe Centre 19 November 2012 16 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130116015050/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-20394234 liveA83 Rest and Be Thankful re-opens after landslip cleared https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-20394234 29 December 2012 BBC News 19 November 2012 16 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130116015050/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-20394234 live thumb|The car in Chew Stoke in which a man died on 22 November During November a series of floods affected many parts of Britain. On 22 November a man died after his car was washed down a flooded brook in Chew Stoke, Somerset and trapped against a small bridge.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20457526 Man dies as torrential rain and wind cause UK flood havoc BBC 23 November 2012 23 November 2012 23 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121123150403/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20457526 live http://www.itv.com/news/story/2012-11-21/south-west-flood-warnings/ Police preserve the scene after man dies in Somerset ITV 23 November 2012 23 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121123103210/http://www.itv.com/news/story/2012-11-21/south-west-flood-warnings/ live A 26-year-old man was also killed as his car overturned in torrential rain in Devon.Weather: three men feared dead but downpours 'will cease next week' https://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/9699120/Weather-three-men-feared-dead-but-downpours-will-cease-next-week.html https://web.archive.org/web/20121124121954/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/9699120/Weather-three-men-feared-dead-but-downpours-will-cease-next-week.html dead 24 November 2012 24 November 2012 The Telegraph 23 November 2012 Tom Rowley In Sonning, Berkshire a 91-year-old was apparently witnessed to have gone swimming in the flooded Thames and was missing, feared dead. A Downing Street spokesman said that 300 properties were flooded in 24 hours in England and Wales on 22 November. Heavy rains led to overtopping of the Grand Western Canal near to Halberton, Devon forcing homes to be evacuated as the canal wall breached, spilling the canal contents on lower land.Grand Western Canal breach captured at Halberton, Devon https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-20450182 24 November 2012 BBC News 22 November 2012 23 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121123172600/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20450182 live The Environment Agency and Police via the media stressed that motorists should take great care when driving through flood waters after a series of fatalities involving motorists during the flooding of 2012.Heavy rain advice for northamptosnhire drivers http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/local/heavy-rain-advice-for-northamptosnhire-drivers-1-4520822 24 November 2012 Northampton Chronicle and Echo 24 November 2012 10 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131110141404/http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/local/heavy-rain-advice-for-northamptosnhire-drivers-1-4520822 deadEnvironment Agency: 'Don't attempt to drive through floods' http://www.itv.com/news/update/2012-11-22/environment-agency-dont-attempt-to-drive-through-floods/ 24 November 2012 ITV News 22 November 2012 23 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121123165854/http://www.itv.com/news/update/2012-11-22/environment-agency-dont-attempt-to-drive-through-floods/ liveDriver who drowned in flooded ford was a judge https://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/9239307/Driver-who-drowned-in-flooded-ford-was-a-judge.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120502015340/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/9239307/Driver-who-drowned-in-flooded-ford-was-a-judge.html dead 2 May 2012 24 November 2012 The Telegraph 1 May 2012 Hannah FurnessThree pensioners rescued from car http://www.itv.com/news/update/2012-11-24/three-pensioners-rescued-from-car/ ITV 25 November 2012 24 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121124173209/http://www.itv.com/news/update/2012-11-24/three-pensioners-rescued-from-car/ live In Welney, Norfolk a man who posted a video of driving a 4x4 vehicle through deep floodwaters along the closed A1101 road online, was branded as irresponsible and dangerous by Norfolk Police.Welney Land Rover flood driver was 'irresponsible' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-20555116 1 December 2012 BBC News 1 December 2012 1 December 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121201193042/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-20555116 live While Cambridgeshire Police said that drivers who drove through floods and got stuck could face prosecution, after several vehicles were stranded in floodwaters.Cambridgeshire flood: Stranded drivers face prosecution https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-20507436 1 December 2012 BBC News 27 November 2012 30 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121130053140/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-20507436 live England and Wales saw the (provisionally) second wettest week in the last 50 years between 20–26 November, behind only a period October–November 2000. 26 November saw a landslip on Aelfelda Terrace, Whitby, after saturated ground led to failure of the retaining wall. Five terraced houses were later demolished following fears of their collapse, after being condemned.Lynch Declan Houses demolished after Whitby landslip http://www.nce.co.uk/news/water/houses-demolished-after-whitby-landslip/8639635.article 29 December 2012 New Civil Engineer 6 December 2012 10 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131110141741/http://www.nce.co.uk/news/water/houses-demolished-after-whitby-landslip/8639635.article live Around 500 houses were flooded, RNLI lifeboats evacuated residents and an elderly woman was found dead in her own property after the River Elwy swelled to 6 ft above its normal level in the town of St Asaph in North Wales on 27 November.Wales floods: Hundreds told to leave homes https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-20507168 27 November 2012 BBC News 27 November 2012 29 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121129220645/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-20507168 liveSt Asaph: Woman's body found inside flooded home https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20506344 27 November 2012 BBC News 27 November 2012 27 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121127063139/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20506344 live The month saw some of the worst floods of the year in many areas of the country. December Early December brought a period of cold settled weather to the UK, which offered some respite from the flooding. On 14 December, low pressure area Nicki brought coastal flooding along the south coast of England and eastern Scotland. Weymouth harbourside was flooded,Tourgout James Deluge hits Weymouth after overnight gales http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/10109379.Weymouth_harbourside_and_town_centre_flooded/ 15 December 2012 Dorset Echo 14 December 2012 10 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131110144741/http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/10109379.Weymouth_harbourside_and_town_centre_flooded/ live and 30 homes in Looe were also flooded. Some residents in the Scottish towns of Stonehaven and Peterhead were evacuated.Britain braced for flooding as heavy rain returns https://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/9747055/Britain-braced-for-flooding-as-heavy-rain-returns.html https://web.archive.org/web/20121215202825/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/9747055/Britain-braced-for-flooding-as-heavy-rain-returns.html dead 15 December 2012 15 December 2012 The Telegraph 15 December 2012 In Kingsbridge, Devon the town centre was flooded after the quay was overtopped and the railway line to Dawlish was disrupted after flooding.Doherty Ruth Torquay seafront closed and trains cancelled after flooding http://travel.aol.co.uk/2012/12/14/torquay-seafront-closed-and-trains-cancelled-after-flooding-devon/ 15 December 2012 AOL News 14 December 2012 16 December 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121216021236/http://travel.aol.co.uk/2012/12/14/torquay-seafront-closed-and-trains-cancelled-after-flooding-devon/ liveMorris Steven From frosts to floods – UK prepares for stormy weather https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/dec/14/frost-floods-uk-stormy-weather 15 December 2012 The Guardian 14 December 2012 10 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131110174929/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/dec/14/frost-floods-uk-stormy-weather live £500,000 of damage was caused at North Berwick, Lothian by the waves, with a 15 m section of harbour wall brought down in Lossiemouth.Storms and high tides cause damage across eastern Scotland https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-20739484 15 December 2012 BBC News 15 December 2012 15 December 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121215184131/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-20739484 liveCrowther Stuart Partial collapse of sea walls at Lossiemouth's East and West Beaches http://local.stv.tv/lossiemouth/news/206085-partial-collapse-of-sea-walls-at-lossiemouths-east-and-west-beaches/ 15 December 2012 STV 15 December 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121220082737/http://local.stv.tv/lossiemouth/news/206085-partial-collapse-of-sea-walls-at-lossiemouths-east-and-west-beaches/ 20 December 2012 dead On 19 December a front from the low Petra brought rainfall, and the following day the Environment Agency ordered the evacuation of the village of Wallington, Hampshire, after fears that cracks in the flood wall could indicate potential failure.Wallington evacuated in flood fear as heavy rain hits England https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20786462 6 January 2013 BBC News 20 December 2013 31 December 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121231124741/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20786462 live A series of weather fronts associated with low pressure areas brought flooding to Helston in Cornwall and Braunton in Devon on the night of 21 December.Evacuations as river level rises https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-20823342 14 January 2013 BBC News 22 December 2012 17 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130117172835/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-20823342 live Multiple landslips occurred in Swanage Dorset, which were caught on camera by the local coastguard,Frampton Will VIDEO: Beach closed off after landslip at Swanage http://www.thisisdorset.net/news/10124955.Beach_closed_off_after_landslip_at_Swanage/ 23 January 2013 Dorset Echo 22 December 2012 29 October 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131029204538/http://www.thisisdorset.net/news/10124955.Beach_closed_off_after_landslip_at_Swanage/ live who produced a map of slips and beach closures in the area.Operation Slippery Slope https://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=215269088573845341103.0004d1b3eda81fef49ea3&msa=0&ll=50.621697,-1.941662&spn=0.028098,0.061712 Operation Slippery Slope 29 December 2012 9 February 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220209054022/https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1UkPfAwdYdT1o93-moISQq1KaZuo&msa=0&ll=50.621697,-1.941662&spn=0.028098,0.061712 live Temporary water-filled dams were deployed in the United Kingdom for the first time to protect the mainline railway at Cowley Bridge Junction, next to the River Exe, some trackbed beyond the dams was washed away on 22 December, putting the line out of action until it was reopened on 28 December. The village of Stoke Canon just upstream saw several homes evacuated.Stoke Canon flooding is 'tragic' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-20833855 14 January 2013 BBC News 23 December 2012 2 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130102120647/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20833855 liveDevon main line reopened after flooding https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-20856349 BBC News 23 January 2013 28 December 2012 22 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130122002134/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-20856349 live Network Rail advised passengers not to travel west of Taunton, later Tiverton, with both First Great Western and Arriva Trains Wales urging passengers not to travel.South West rail problems could last five days https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-20831114 14 January 2013 BBC News 23 December 2012 31 December 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121231175928/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-20831114 liveFlooding hampers Christmas getaway https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/dec/23/travel-chaos-flooding-christmas-getaway 16 January 2013 The Guardian 23 December 2012 10 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131110174843/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/dec/23/travel-chaos-flooding-christmas-getaway liveFlooding: Christmas rail travel resuming in south Wales https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-20824285 BBC News 23 January 2013 22 December 2012 31 December 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121231185357/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-20824285 live More heavy rainfall in South West England on 22 December brought flooding to Lostwithiel Cornwall, where RNLI flood rescue teams helped evacuate flooded homes.RNLI helmet camera captures night of flooding rescues https://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/9763519/RNLI-helmet-camera-captures-night-of-flooding-rescues.html https://web.archive.org/web/20121223134728/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/9763519/RNLI-helmet-camera-captures-night-of-flooding-rescues.html dead 23 December 2012 23 January 2013 The telegraph 23 December 2012 The Tarr Steps, a grade I listed building and scheduled monument in Exmoor National Park, west Somerset was washed away. River levels up to 10 ft m higher than normal and debris snapped the steel cables designed to protect the walkway.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/9772445/One-of-Britains-oldest-bridges-swept-away-by-floodwater-as-more-rain-forecast-over-New-Year.html https://archive.today/20130505105957/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/9772445/One-of-Britains-oldest-bridges-swept-away-by-floodwater-as-more-rain-forecast-over-New-Year.html dead 5 May 2013 One of Britains oldest bridges swept away by floodwater The Telegraph 31 December 2012 31 December 2012http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/1-000-year-old-bridge-Tarr-Steps-washed-away/story-17724546-detail/story.html 1,000-year-old bridge at Tarr Steps washed away in Exmoor floods This is Somerset 31 December 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130103034949/http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/1-000-year-old-bridge-Tarr-Steps-washed-away/story-17724546-detail/story.html 3 January 2013 Each slab of the bridge is numbered so that the crossing can be reconstructed, which was last done in 2008.Tarr Steps to be rebuilt following river damage https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-20878388 31 December 2012 BBC News 31 December 2012 3 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130103012457/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-20878388 live 250px|thumbnail|The Gypsey Race floods the village of Burton Fleming due to the saturated ground and rainfall of December 2012. Meteorological background The La Niña event which had been ongoing since 2009 in the Pacific finally weakened during March 2012, although many parts of the global oceans and tropical weather patterns still retained characteristics associated with La Niña.Met Office continues to drive forward research on long-range forecasting http://metofficenews.wordpress.com/2013/03/29/met-office-continues-to-drive-forward-research-on-long-range-forecasting/ 29 March 2013 Met Office News Blog 29 March 2013 1 April 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130401053821/http://metofficenews.wordpress.com/2013/03/29/met-office-continues-to-drive-forward-research-on-long-range-forecasting/ live In the Northern Hemisphere the jet stream was very disturbed, resulting in a Rossby wave pattern of high and low pressure regions. During March the UK was positioned under a strong high-pressure region resulting in very dry and warm conditions which brought a heatwave. In April, the wave pattern underwent a significant shift to bring the UK under the influence of strong low pressure, with prevailing south-westerly flow and heavy rainfall. One of the potential causes of this shift in the Northern Hemisphere circulation may have been associated with a shift in tropical weather patterns. In particular, this may have been caused by a strong Madden–Julian oscillation which occurred in the tropics in March. This is a large-scale tropical phenomenon which leads to disturbed weather patterns over a timescales of typically 30–60 days. These changes originate over the Indian Ocean and may have influenced the northern hemisphere weather regimes, as the Madden–Julian oscillation can be an important predictor of the state of the North Atlantic Oscillation.Harrabin Roger Met Office three-month forecast was 'not helpful' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21967190 29 March 2013 BBC News 29 March 2013 29 March 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130329013653/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21967190 live The poor summer weather saw the continuation of a southerly tracking jet stream,Shukman David Why, oh why, does it keep raining? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-18783422 26 November 2012 BBC News 10 July 2012 11 December 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121211152503/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-18783422 live which showed a similar pattern to that of June and July 2007. 28 June 2012 supercells in the United Kingdom and Belgium brought intense heavy rain which caused flash flooding and further saturated the ground water levels. Meteorologists attributed these storms to convective rain from a Spanish plume weather pattern.Storms and plumes http://www.weathercast.co.uk/weather-news/news/ch/29e17bbef4dde02d107df89925fddb20/article/storms_and_plumes.html MeteoGroup 18 December 2012 10 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131110141629/http://www.weathercast.co.uk/weather-news/news/ch/29e17bbef4dde02d107df89925fddb20/article/storms_and_plumes.html liveSurge Bulletin http://www.gabrobins.co.uk/media/13101/surge_bulletin_-_2_july_2012.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20120702010101/http://www.gabrobins.co.uk/media/13101/surge_bulletin_-_2_july_2012.pdf GAB Robins 18 December 2012 dead 2 July 2012 O'Brian Liam Giant hailstones, terrible floods, homes evacuated. Was all of this caused by the 'Spanish plume'? https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/giant-hailstones-terrible-floods-homes-evacuated-was-all-of-this-caused-by-the-spanish-plume-7899813.html 18 December 2012 The Independent 29 June 2012 18 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120818145727/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/giant-hailstones-terrible-floods-homes-evacuated-was-all-of-this-caused-by-the-spanish-plume-7899813.html live Factors involved in the extreme storms of summer 2012 were the relatively high sea-surface temperature in the Atlantic Ocean west of the UK, which increased moisture content of the air as it passed over it and secondly, the persistence of an upper trough (a low pressure in the higher atmosphere) helping the development of strong convection. When these frontal storms along the Rossby waves turned north-eastward, they hit southwest England, Wales, north England and Scotland and across to Scandinavia. The repeated updraft elements merged with the rotating updraft elements within these supercell storms and led to the occurrence of tornadoes and large hail.Cheung Norman Are you wondering why we are experiencing such awful weather this summer? http://sec.kingston.ac.uk/news/2012/kingston-flood-expert-explains-uks-recent-extreme-weather-on-sky/ Kingston University London 12 December 2012 29 July 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120729183028/http://sec.kingston.ac.uk/news/2012/kingston-flood-expert-explains-uks-recent-extreme-weather-on-sky/ live Analysis The rapid change in fortunes from drought to flooding across the country was unique in the weather record, exceeding the change seen after the 1975–1976 drought. With Terry Marsh of the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) stating "Sustained recoveries of this magnitude during the late spring and summer have not been seen before," with ground water levels recharging to average, and above average levels during a season when they'd be expected to be declining.UK's year of drought and flooding unprecedented, experts say https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/oct/18/summer-drought-flooding-unprecedented 23 November 2012 The Guardian 18 October 2012 Adam Vaughan 10 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131110174920/http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/oct/18/summer-drought-flooding-unprecedented live An enhanced recharge season was also noted before the Autumn floods of 2000.The UK Autumn 2000 floods http://climateprediction.net/content/uk-autumn-2000-floods WWF/climateprediction.net 24 February 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111211031059/http://climateprediction.net/content/uk-autumn-2000-floods 11 December 2011 November to April is generally the wetter half of the year in the British Isles, which means heavy or prolonged winter rainfall presents a heightened risk of flooding as soils and aquifers are already saturated. PricewaterhouseCoopers announced in November that the flooding over the summer of 2012 was likely to cost insurers £500 million, with the overall cost of flooding to insurers for the year estimated at £1 billion ($1.59 billion).UK insurers face $1.6 bln flood bill: PwC https://www.reuters.com/article/us-insurance-floods-idUSBRE8AM0OK20121123 24 November 2012 Reuters 23 November 2012 Myles Neligan 4 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061736/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-insurance-floods-idUSBRE8AM0OK20121123 live In December Aon Benfield gave an updated estimate of the total insurance losses through flooding for the year, which could reach £1.33 billion, with claims of £280 million from the flooding of 10–11 June, £498 million from 23–24 June floods and £50 million on 24–25 September.Sparks Matthew November floods push insurance losses past £1bn https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/insurance/9728932/November-floods-push-insurance-losses-past-1bn.html 7 December 2012 The Telegraph 7 December 2012 7 December 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121207180418/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/insurance/9728932/November-floods-push-insurance-losses-past-1bn.html liveNovember 2012 Global Catastrophe Recap http://thoughtleadership.aonbenfield.com/Documents/201212_if_monthly_cat_recap_november.pdf Aon Benfield 7 December 2012 14 May 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130514024128/http://thoughtleadership.aonbenfield.com/Documents/201212_if_monthly_cat_recap_november.pdf live The floods came at a time when the Government and the UK insurance industry are re-negotiating a deal to provide affordable insurance to flood prone homes, known as the Statement of Principles, with the current subsidy due to expire in June 2013. The favoured solution for the insurance industry is a levy on low risk homes with the government and taxpayer acting as an insurer of last resort. The Association of British Insurers stated that "The Government has indicated it will not provide any temporary overdraft facility for the insurance industry's not-for-profit scheme, which makes it very difficult for it to go ahead. As a result, negotiations have hit an impasse."As UK Floods Continue, ABI Urges Progress on Stalled Insurance Talks http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/international/2012/11/26/271558.htm 1 December 2012 Insurance Journal 26 November 2012 29 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121129105752/http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/international/2012/11/26/271558.htm live Should the issue not be resolved this would leave an estimated 200,000 homes unable to get insurance from June 2013.November, 2012 UK Flooding http://alert.air-worldwide.com/EventSummary.aspx?e=669&tp=31&c=1 1 December 2012 Air Worldwide 27 November 2012 10 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131110143717/http://alert.air-worldwide.com/EventSummary.aspx?e=669&tp=31&c=1 dead An alternative being discussed in the insurance industry is the possibility that flood pools may offer a hybrid solution acceptable to both parties. Because of the flooding in 2012, insurance renewal premiums were expected to rise between 10 and 50 percent, depending on the scale of damages suffered. Even those not directly hit by the flooding were likely to see their premiums rise by 5 percent next year. Currently insurers provide flood coverage on the understanding that government invests a certain amount of funds on flood defences, however the spending on flood defences has slipped below the levels seen in 2008. The floods came in the wake of government cuts to flood protection, which had seen 294 flood defence schemes cut, which had indicative funding in place in 2010, with major schemes in Leeds, Thirsk, Ipswich, Fleetwood and Croston and Lancashire not built.Hundreds of UK flood defence schemes unbuilt due to budget cuts https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/jul/14/flood-defence-schemes-unbuilt 24 November 2012 The Guardian 14 July 2012 Damian Carrington 10 September 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130910061507/http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/jul/14/flood-defence-schemes-unbuilt live The UK government announced on 30 November that £120 million of new funding would be released to speed up building of 50 flood defences by Defra,£120 million boost to flood defences will protect homes and businesses and help drive growth http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2012/11/30/120-million-boost-to-flood-defences-will-protect-homes-and-businesses-and-help-drive-growth/ 1 December 2012 Defra News 30 November 2012 1 December 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121201043014/http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2012/11/30/120-million-boost-to-flood-defences-will-protect-homes-and-businesses-and-help-drive-growth/ live which would prioritize schemes in Leeds city centre, Sheffield, Exeter, Derby and Ipswich.Carrington Damian David Cameron forced into U-turn on flood defence spending cuts https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/nov/30/flooding-120m-defence-spending 1 December 2012 The Guardian 30 November 2012 10 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131110174903/http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/nov/30/flooding-120m-defence-spending live Anne McIntosh MP for Thirsk and Malton and vice-president of the Association of Drainage Authorities questioned whether the government had prioritized the right schemes in their announced package of new funding. Noting that the Pitt Review of the UK floods of 2007 demanded that Government prove rivers are being dredged regularly, she raised the issue of whether this could be maintained as the maintenance spend of the Environment Agency was being cut.Gray Louise Did cuts in dredging rivers cause floods? https://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/9714518/Did-cuts-in-dredging-rivers-cause-floods.html https://web.archive.org/web/20121201114538/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/9714518/Did-cuts-in-dredging-rivers-cause-floods.html dead 1 December 2012 1 December 2012 The Telegraph 1 December 2012 Aftermath Outdoor events cancellations May Badminton Horse Trial June Suffolk Show 2012, cancelled on second day due to high winds and rain.Second day of Suffolk Show is cancelled because of bad weather http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/second_day_of_suffolk_show_is_cancelled_because_of_bad_weather_1_1404287 8 February 2013 Eastern Daily Press 8 June 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120830194941/http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/second_day_of_suffolk_show_is_cancelled_because_of_bad_weather_1_1404287 30 August 2012 dead July Great Yorkshire Show 2012, cancelled after one day due to torrential rain.Great Yorkshire Show cancelled after one day https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-18778798 BBC News 8 February 2013 10 July 2012 29 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120829135232/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-18778798 live MFest Harewood House Leeds, Music Festival.Lee Ann MFEST festival cancelled due to heavy rain as Wakestock flooded http://metro.co.uk/2012/07/06/mfest-festival-cancelled-due-to-heavy-rain-as-wakestock-flooded-3373487/ 8 February 2013 Metro 6 July 2012 17 February 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130217102951/http://metro.co.uk/2012/07/06/mfest-festival-cancelled-due-to-heavy-rain-as-wakestock-flooded-3373487/ live Wellingborough CarnivalWellingborough carnival cancelled due to rain https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-18734764 8 February 2013 BBC News 6 July 2012 10 July 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120710075223/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-18734764 live Cliffhangar Festival, Graves Park, Sheffield.Flooding fear in Sheffield prompts command centre set up https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-19384718 8 February 2013 BBC News 6 July 2012 20 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121120132721/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/19384718 live CLA Game Fair, Belvoir Castle Lincolnshire.CLA Game Fair at Belvoir Castle cancelled due to rain https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-18831190 8 February 2013 BBC News 13 July 2012 18 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120818160427/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-18831190 live August Creamfields dance music festival, Daresbury, Cheshire cancelled after arena and campsite flooded.Fans wait on Creamfields refunds after flooding Butterley Amelia https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-19384718 8 February 2013 BBC Newsbeat 26 August 2012 20 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121120132721/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/19384718 live England Scotland one day international cricket cancelled in Edinburgh, after The Grange Club flooded in July.May 2020 November Southwell Racecourse Nottinghamshire, racecourse closed until February.UK floods: Horse racing cancelled at Southwell https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-20500512 8 February 2013 BBC News 26 November 2012 2 February 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130202180243/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20500512 live January Cheltenham Racecourse cancelled New Year's Day meeting due to waterlogged course.Cheltenham races cancelled with more rain forecast in New Year https://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/9772445/Cheltenham-races-cancelled-with-more-rain-forecast-in-New-Year.html https://web.archive.org/web/20130101012616/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/9772445/Cheltenham-races-cancelled-with-more-rain-forecast-in-New-Year.html dead 1 January 2013 23 January 2013 The Telegraph 31 December 2012 Huntingdon Racecourse It was estimated that in July the cost of cancelled events could cost the rural economy £240 million.Boderke David Cancelled events could cost countryside £240m http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/business/cancelled-events-could-cost-countryside-£240m/48424.article Farmers Guardian 8 February 2013 21 July 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120721142953/http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/business/cancelled-events-could-cost-countryside-%C2%A3240m/48424.article live Landslides The heavy rainfall and resulting saturated ground provided conditions which led to a greater risk of landslides. On 27 December the British Geological Survey and Met Office gave a rare landslide warning for the southwest of England.Landslide and rockfall warning for south-west England https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20842890 BBC News 26 December 2012 26 December 2012 26 December 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121226061225/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20842890 liveUK weather: rain prompts fears of landslides and further floods https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/dec/26/uk-weather-rain-landslides-floods 2 January 2013 The guardian 26 December 2013 10 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131110174917/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/dec/26/uk-weather-rain-landslides-floods live December saw an amber warning situation resulting from saturated ground conditions, with forecasts of more heavy rainfall and multiple reports of slope instability resulting in likely disruption to infrastructure and people.Landslide potential https://www.bgs.ac.uk/news/announcements.html#ni_1919 British Geological Survey: Research News and Awards 29 December 2012 15 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130115015752/http://bgs.ac.uk/news/announcements.html#ni_1919 live The British Geological Survey monitor incidents of landslipLandslides at BGS http://www.bgs.ac.uk/science/landUseAndDevelopment/landslides/home.html British Geological Survey 24 March 2013 27 March 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130327104517/http://www.bgs.ac.uk/science/landUseAndDevelopment/landslides/home.html live and produced data indicating that the April and June rainfall resulted in a fourfold increase in landslides and slope failures in July against what would be usually expected, with a similarly large increase in landslides towards the end of the year. The BGS team mapped a large concentration of landslips in the southwest of England, a region frequently experiencing flooding during the year,Increased incidence of landslides in 2012 https://www.bgs.ac.uk/science/landUseAndDevelopment/landslides/November2012.html British Geological Survey 10 January 2013 15 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130115020017/http://bgs.ac.uk/science/landUseAndDevelopment/landslides/November2012.html live showing a correlation of landslides and rainfall anomaly during 2012.Increased occurrence of landslides in the UK in the last year – and the relationship to rainfall 8 January 2013 http://blogs.agu.org/landslideblog/2013/01/08/increased-occurrence-of-landslides-in-the-uk-in-the-last-year-and-the-relationship-to-rainfall/ AGU Blogosphere 13 February 2013 26 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130126123159/http://blogs.agu.org/landslideblog/2013/01/08/increased-occurrence-of-landslides-in-the-uk-in-the-last-year-and-the-relationship-to-rainfall/ live Landslides occurred as a result of water loading of slopes, reducing soil strength and/or removal of soil particles or other material changes in the slopes. thumb|250px|Burton Beach, Burton Bradstock, Dorset, the scene of a fatal landslide on 24 July 2012. 28 June landslides blocked both the East Coast Main Line and West Coast Main Line railways. 7 July Partial Collapse of Beaminster Tunnel during heavy rains, two fatalities as a car caught under the debris. 25 July Burton Bradstock, Dorset a cliff collapse fatally injures a tourist on Burton Beach.Taylor Matthew Woman dies after cliff collapses in Dorset https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/jul/25/woman-dies-cliff-collapses-dorset 23 March 2013 The Guardian 25 July 2013 Steven Morris 10 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131110174908/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/jul/25/woman-dies-cliff-collapses-dorset live 30 August Northern Rail train derails after hitting a landslip near to St Bees Head, Cumbria.Sellafield train derails as floods hit Cumbria https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-19420159 23 March 2013 BBC News 30 August 2012 8 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121108130941/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-19420159 live November, Whitby, landslides at Aelfaeda Terrace and later around the headland at Henrietta Street.Whitby landslides, North Yorkshire http://www.bgs.ac.uk/science/landUseAndDevelopment/landslides/WhitbyDec2012.html 23 March 2013 British Geological Survey 20 April 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130420105443/http://bgs.ac.uk/science/landUseAndDevelopment/landslides/WhitbyDec2012.html live 29 November a failed railway embankment near Bristol interrupts service towards Birmingham and Swindon.Work starts to fix railway landslip near Bristol https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-20539082 23 March 2013 BBC News 29 November 2012 16 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130116192252/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-20539082 live 29 November Teignmouth Devon.Abseilers inspect Devon railway line landslip https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-20538711 23 March 2013 BBC News 29 November 2012 10 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130110161524/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-20538711 live 21 December Perth.Landslip south of Perth disrupts rail services http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/perth-kinross/landslip-south-of-perth-disrupts-rail-services-1.62371 23 March 2013 The Courier 21 December 2012 26 December 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121226145603/http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/perth-kinross/landslip-south-of-perth-disrupts-rail-services-1.62371 live December 2012 Totland, Isle of Wight landslide and seawall damage.Perry Sally Totland landslide and seawall damage caught on film http://onthewight.com/2012/12/31/totland-landslide-and-seawall-damage-caught-on-film/ 23 March 2013 On the Wight 31 December 2012 10 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131110145920/http://onthewight.com/2012/12/31/totland-landslide-and-seawall-damage-caught-on-film/ live 3 January 2013 Corton, Suffolk.Carroll Anthony Update: Corton promenade closed temporarily after cliff collapse http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/update_corton_promenade_closed_temporarily_after_cliff_collapse_1_1758145 23 March 2013 Eastern Daily Press 3 January 2012 10 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130110074217/http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/update_corton_promenade_closed_temporarily_after_cliff_collapse_1_1758145 live 12 February 2013 slope failure at Hatfield Colliery South Yorkshire leads to closure of railway line from Doncaster to Hull and South Humberside.Colliery landslip wrecks track near Doncaster http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/02/13-colliery-landslip-wrecks-track-near.html 23 March 2013 Railnews 13 February 2013 21 March 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130321074348/http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2013/02/13-colliery-landslip-wrecks-track-near.html liveHatfield Colliery landslide, South Yorkshire February 2013 http://www.bgs.ac.uk/science/landUseAndDevelopment/landslides/hatfieldFeb2013.html 23 March 2013 British Geological Survey 31 March 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130331002356/http://www.bgs.ac.uk/science/landuseanddevelopment/landslides/hatfieldFeb2013.html live 22 March 2013, Fatal landslide in Looe, Cornwall following heavy rains and flooding in the south west.Mullin Cheryl Looe landslide: Police believe body is inside collapsed house http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/uk-news/looe-landslide-police-believe-body-1862542 23 March 2013 Chronicle Live 23 March 2013 25 March 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130325055355/http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/uk-news/looe-landslide-police-believe-body-1862542 live landslide in Norton, the Mumbles, near Swansea, presenting no danger.Landslide in Norton, Swansea: Residents offered advice https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-21911000 23 March 2013 BBC News 23 March 2013 23 March 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130323132217/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-21911000 live 29 April 2013, A large landslide on the south Dorset coast at St Oswald's Bay between Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door estimated to be the largest landslide in Dorset since a slide at Mupe Bay in April 2000, closed and diverted sections of the South West Coast Path.Davis Joanna Warning after major landslide on Dorset coast http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/localnews/10388937.Warning_after_major_landslide_on_Dorset_coast/ 3 May 2013 Dorset Echo 30 April 2013 3 May 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130503230839/http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/localnews/10388937.Warning_after_major_landslide_on_Dorset_coast/ live The School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences at Newcastle University is conducting a study to gather as much information about the flash-flooding that hit Newcastle and the North East during summer 2012, launching the ToonFlood Project for the submission of photos and comments to help calibrate computer modelling of the event.ToonFlood Project http://ceg-morpethflood.ncl.ac.uk/toonflood/ Newcastle University 26 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20120705200655/http://ceg-morpethflood.ncl.ac.uk/toonflood/ 5 July 2012 dead References External links The 2010–12 drought and subsequent extensive flooding, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology RMS white paper: The 2012 U.K. floods UK Flooding April–July 2012, JBA Risk Management Ltd. and Met Office https://web.archive.org/web/20131101065455/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/media/pdf/e/s/JBA_and_Met_Office_Bulletin_UK_Flooding_April_July_2012.pdf 1 November 2013 Review of Response to Flooding 27–28 June 2012, PEDU Northern Ireland https://web.archive.org/web/20131025020050/http://www.drdni.gov.uk/pedu-review-flood-response-june-2012.pdf 25 October 2013 Environment Agency, The Tyneside Flood 28 June 2012, Hydrological Report Met Office, Exceptionally wet weather – November 2012 Channel 4, Is Our Weather Getting Worse? Channel 4, The Year Britain Flooded Category:2010s floods in Europe Category:2012 floods in Europe Floods Floods Category:2010s floods in the United Kingdom Category:2012 disasters in the United Kingdom Great Britain And Ireland floods Category:Floods in Ireland Great Britain and Ireland floods 2012 Great Britain and Ireland floods Great Britain and Ireland floods Category:2010s disasters in Ireland