The UK and surrounding areas have just been hit hard by Storm Ciaran. The storm caused a lot of damage, including to local buildings. Apart from damaging many buildings, the wind also caused disruptions to traffic. Wind speeds accelerated to 95 mph, according to the BBC. The arrival of a storm also has the potential for flooding, so all locals need to be alert.
Local Needs to Anticipate the Impact of Storm Ciaran
All localities in the UK and beyond have received warnings about the dangers of flooding. There have been at least 33 flood warnings. The warning is at the red warning level. This warning is the highest and indicates danger, according to Jersey Met. A red-wind warning was received by locals on Wednesday night. Even though the yellow warning indicates a danger that can injure people and cause property damage, Strong gusts of wind also cause heavy rain. These storm conditions were the worst in the last decade. Based on the Met Office website (owned by the UK Government), the lowest rainfall varies from 20 to 30 mm in several areas of the UK and surrounding areas. However, areas with higher altitudes receive rainfall of 40–60 mm. Then the England region has rainfall of up to 80 mm. Such high rainfall has the potential to cause flooding.
Signs of impending flooding can be observed through high water levels in rivers in the northeast, west, and south of England. If the water level continues to rise significantly, then flooding will occur. Local environmental agencies prevent flooding by removing debris that might block rivers. These efforts are able to reduce impacts that may damage the surrounding environment when floods occur. They try to minimize the impact of losses when flooding is truly inevitable. The public also needs to be aware of existing warnings so they can be safe. Road users also need to avoid using roads close to flood sources. The Met Office explained that even a 30 cm-high puddle of water could sweep away a car. Based on their report, 150 people lose their lives every year in Ireland and the UK due to accidents on flooded roads. Many cars that skidded and fell were so badly damaged that the passengers inside did not survive. Warnings are also given to locals who live in coastal areas.