WORCESTERSHIRE households are being urged to get ‘flood ready’ because of the higher risk of autumn and winter storms caused by a strong, record-breaking El Niño.
Flood resilience expert Mary Long-Dhonau OBE has called on residents to take practical steps now to reduce the impact of potential flooding because of the extreme weather phenomenon.
According to the Government Office for Science, a significant El Niño is likely to occur towards the end of 2026, with some forecasts predicting ‘the strongest event on record’.
PREPARE: Mary Long-Dhonau at a flooded South Quay in Worcester as she urges households to prepare head of a strong El Niño (Image: Flood Mary)
Secondary effects of El Niño on global food supply chains have the potential to reduce yields and drive up prices, particularly in regions with already low food security.
The UK could experience higher prices for products such as rice, and certain tropical commodities (for example: cocoa, coffee) but the precise effects remain difficult to predict.
“The UK currently has a sufficient energy buffer for the coming winter but the effects of El Niño remain uncertain: Europe could be particularly vulnerable to rising prices and increased global competition for energy supplies, such as LNG,” said a spokesperson for the Government Office for Science.
According to the Met Office, while forecasts had consistently indicated that 2026 could see an unprecedented El Niño, ‘the latest observations confirm sea-surface temperatures in the central equatorial Pacific have now surpassed levels recorded during any previous event’.
Areas affected by flooding in Worcestershire
In Worcester, areas traditionally affected by flooding include Hylton Road, protected by a flood bund, New Road, Grandstand Road, Diglis Avenue, North Parade, Pitchcroft Lane and Worcester Racecourse.
RISKS: A Tesla stuck in Shell Ford in Himbleton in February this year (Image: Supplied by Katie Ingram)
In Upton, Hanley Road periodically floods and, during extreme floods, the town can be cut off altogether. Buildings in Upton have suffered internal flooding. Another area of concerns remain fords, including Shell Ford in Himbleton where a car was stranded as recently as February.
Meanwhile, work is underway to better protect some communities, including Severn Stoke where the construction on the long-awaited £5.2m flood defence scheme protecting homes and the Rose and Crown pub is underway.
Mrs Long-Dhonau, known as “Flood Mary,” used to live in Waverley Street in Worcester which flooded regularly and has campaigned since to better prepare people for flooding.
Mrs Long-Dhonau said: “No one can say exactly what this winter will bring, but you don’t need to wait for a flood warning before taking action.
HIT: Upton can be cut off completely during extreme weather events (Image: Jonathan Barry)
“When a warning arrives, your mind can turn to spaghetti so having a Flood To Do List gives you clear, practical steps to follow.
“After all, you don’t want to be hunting around for your insurance details or wondering which belongings to move first when the water is already rising.
“Flooding is devastating so being ‘flood ready’ can help to reduce the impact and make recovery that bit easier.”
Make a ‘flood list’ says expert Flood Mary
She suggests every household should create a “Flood To Do List” that outlines who will do what in the event of flooding, which belongings should be moved first, and where essential items are stored.
The list should also consider vehicles, medication, children’s needs, vulnerable family members, and pets. Residents are also advised to check their flood risk and sign up for Environment Agency flood warnings.
“Unpredictable” rain forecast could put homes at risk of flash flooding, expert warns
Residents urged to guard against flooding in heavy rainfall
Flashfloods and power cuts hit Worcestershire amid thunderstorm warning – LIVE
Fears new homes will cause ‘sewage flood risk’ as villagers hold urgent meeting
Those at risk of surface water flooding should monitor Met Office severe weather warnings, especially when heavy or prolonged rainfall is forecast.
Mrs Long-Dhonau recommends preparing a flood box with supplies such as a head torch, tape, plastic sheeting, absorbent cushions, batteries, gloves, and lidded storage boxes.
URGENT: MP Dame Harriett Baldwin met with the team leading the work at Severn Stoke to build a flood bund to protect the village (Image: Office of Dame Harriett Baldwin MP)
A separate grab bag should include medication, insurance documents, phone chargers, clothing, toiletries, and essentials for children and pets.
She also advises residents to inspect the outside of their homes for cracks or damaged mortar, which can allow water to seep through walls.
Mrs Long-Dhonau said: “When I flooded, it was like someone had turned on 30 taps through my walls – and I say that with feeling.
“Walk around the outside of your home now and look for cracks, gaps or crumbling mortar that may need attention.
“Water-resistant mortar or breathable water-repellent treatments may help to slow water ingress but make sure they are suitable for the construction of your property.
“If you are unsure, get advice from someone who understands the type of building you live in.”
Airbricks are another common entry point for floodwater.
Mrs Long-Dhonau warns that a single uncovered airbrick can let in enough water to fill around five builders’ rubble sacks in just an hour.
Tested and certified airbrick covers or self-closing airbricks are available, or in an emergency, wide aluminium tape can provide a temporary seal.
Floodwater can also enter through drains and toilets.
Non-return valves can help prevent water backing up, and toilet bungs offer an extra layer of resistance.
She also advises storing sentimental or irreplaceable items on high shelves or upstairs and raising soft furnishings where possible.
Chairs can be placed on tables, sofas elevated on bricks, and table legs set in buckets or wellington boots.
Curtains should be tied up with old tights or a scarf to keep them off the floor.
Finally, she urges residents to check their insurance policies for flood cover and ensure they know what information will be needed if they need to make a claim.
Those in high-risk areas should ask if their policy is supported by Flood Re.
Mrs Long-Dhonau said: “Flooding is devastating; it’s not only the physical damage but the upheaval of potentially being out of your home for many months.
“My advice is please do not wait until the rain is falling: make your Flood To Do List today, gather the things you may need to hand and walk around the outside of your home to spot potential risks.
Even small, inexpensive actions now can prevent extra heartache later.”