Extreme weather is becoming the ‘new normal’ in the UK, with more frequent and intense events driven by climate change. Elmbridge Borough Council is reminding residents not to be complacent about flood risks, even after this summer’s dry weather.

In England, around 6.3 million properties are located in areas at risk of flooding. Climate change continues to increase both the likelihood and severity of flood events. Between April 2025 and March 2026, the Environment Agency issued over 3,400 flood alerts, more than 1,000 flood warnings, and 3 severe flood warnings to people at risk.

It is more important than ever that every person knows their flood risk and understands what actions to take to prepare and stay safe should flooding occur.

The dangers of delaying action

Flooding can have devastating impacts on people and communities. Protecting residents is a top priority. Taking steps to prepare for flooding and knowing what to do during a flood can significantly reduce damage to homes and businesses, lower risks to life, and lessen potential mental health impacts.

Know how to Prepare. Act. Survive.

Preparing for flooding includes simple actions that can help keep you, your home, family, and business safe, potentially saving thousands of pounds in damages and disruption. Some of these steps include:

• Checking for flooding forecasts in the next 5 days
• Signing up for flood warnings by phone, text, or email
• Checking your long-term flood risk from rivers, the sea, surface water, reservoirs, and groundwater (where data is available)

Residents are encouraged to visit the prepare for flooding page on GOV.UK for more information.

Stay informed by following the Environment Agency on social media platforms: X, Facebook, and Instagram.

For more local updates, residents can join Elmbridge Borough Council’s WhatsApp group or sign up for the council newsletter to stay up-to-date on council and borough news.

Source: Elmbridge Borough Council — news