England about to be ravaged by floods

[malaise]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7085394.stm

There are eight severe flood warnings, 10 flood warnings and 24 flood watches nationally, covering North Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and the north Kent coast.

The severe warnings in place from Great Yarmouth down to Shingle Street, and on parts of the River Bure, River Yare and River Waveney, carry an Environment Agency alert stating: "Severe flooding is expected. There is extreme danger to life and property. Act now."
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climate change anyone?

[LeftishBrit]

1. Not again...

It's been a bad year.

[dipsydoodle]

2. Maybe half and half

The winds coming round the top of Scotland are shoving the water in the North sea south to meet up with a natural high tide. The result is 2.9 metre surge.

Similar thing happened back in 1953 - that was caused by a low pressure area up north which effectively sucked up the level of the North Sea to meet a high tide. Hence the main reason for the Thames Barrier being ultimately built. Picture from then :


http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/bygones/2003/01jan/030114floo.shtml

[malaise]

3. Thanks

:hi:

[dipsydoodle]

4. Panic almost over

Tide fears recede as surge passes.

Fears of widespread flooding in eastern England have diminished as tides peaked without major breaches of sea defences.
High water in the Norfolk town of Great Yarmouth passed without major damage being caused, and people have been told they can return to their homes.

The Environment Agency said surge levels were expected to be nearly 8in (20cm) lower than originally feared.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7086280.stm

[shadowknows69]

5. Good news

[malaise]

6. Good news

BBC international has good coverage.
Lots of pix here. Good thing the fears receded - it could have been worse.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/7086396.stm

Both England (near the Thames) and the Netherlands are using their sophisticated sea defence barriers.