Upton upon Severn
Why did the floods happen?
Upton was affected by heavy rain falling between 24 and 25 June, and a higher impact period of rain on 20 July. On 20 July across Upton, around 90mm of rain was recorded. This equates to almost two months’ rain in one day.
In July, the combination of the exceptional flows in the River Teme together with the heavy rainfall across Worcestershire resulted in record flood levels in Upton. River levels at the Saxons Lode gauge near Upton reached a peak of 5.93m at 16:15 on 22 July. The previously highest recorded level was 5.76m in March 1947. The July flood has been assessed as having between a 0.66% and 0.5% probability of occurring in any year.
Where did the floods take place?
Residential streets in Upton (including East Waterside, Waterside, New Street, Hanley Road).
What did we do during the floods?
Throughout the floods we used a number of different ways to warn people of the risk of flooding from rivers. We use a combination of these methods depending on the information and systems that are available in that area. Examples of these are:
- Regular updates via the media on TV, radio and the internet.
- Floodline - information was available 24 hours a day, 7 days by calling 0845 988 1188.
- Live warnings in force were detailed on our website.
- Floodline Warnings Direct - sent warnings 24 hours a day by telephone, text message, email, fax or pager. Register by calling 0845 988 1188.
What did we do to forecast where flooding would happen? We use the latest technology 24 hours a day to monitor rainfall, river levels and sea conditions. We can provide local area forecasts on the possibility of flooding and its likely severity. We use this information to know when to issue flood warnings.
How did we warn the public? We issued the following Flood Watches and Warnings:
- 12.28 on 20 July: a Flood Watch was issued for the River Severn in Worcestershire.
- 19.10 on 20 July: a Flood Warning was issued for the Severn between Worcester and Tewkesbury.
- 21.20 on 20 July: a Flood Warning Update was issued.
- 22.25 on 20 July: a Severe Flood Warning was issued
- The heavy rain during June also resulted in the issuing of a Flood Watch and Flood Warning on the 25 June and a Flood Warning Update on 27 June for this area.
Temporary barriers
We are currently trialing the use of temporary barriers to alleviate flooding of properties on Waterside in Upton, and these are erected on a best endeavours basis. These were deployed in the June flood and held back approximately 1.15m of water. They had previously been used in December 2006, January 2007 and March 2007.
On the morning of Friday 20 July river level forecasts indicated that the temporary barriers would be required at Upton. Our workforce, plant and materials were mobilised in good time to enable the erection of the defences prior to property flooding at Waterside. However, despite a police escort, we were unable to deploy the defences because of the severe disruption to the transport infrastructure caused by surface water flooding.
Had these barriers been deployed, they would have been overtopped due to the severity of the flood.
We worked well with the local authorities and emergency services throughout the summer floods. A Gold Control Centre was set up at Worcester to discuss and help co-ordinate the response to the flooding in Worcestershire. Our staff attended the Centre to offer advice and assistance.
What impact did the floods have?
How many properties were flooded? Around 70 properties were affected by flooding in Upton.
How did our flood defences perform during the floods? See above regarding temporary flood defences.
What did we communicate during and after the floods?
Since the flooding ended we have held a drop-in surgery in Upton on 14 August to gather information and provide advice and assistance to the public on any flood-related enquiries. We have listened to peoples’ concerns and answered a vast range of questions.
What are we doing in the future?
We are reviewing our temporary barrier deployment procedures in light of this flood. We are also evaluating the possibility of permanent works on the ground which will reduce the frequency of deployment of the barriers by providing some protection against low level floods. This will also give more time for the erection of the barriers in the higher level floods.
- Into the future
The 2007 summer floods provided us with valuable information about areas of England and Wales at risk from flooding. Find out how we will use this new information.
- What can you do?
Find out if you are at risk of flooding, prepare for flood, sign up for Floodline Warnings Direct.
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