With sunny forecasts for the UK, the Environment Agency has issued 31 flood alerts and 4 warnings, highlighting the unusual weather complexities.
Despite the UK enjoying forecasts of soaring temperatures and sunny weather, the Environment Agency has issued numerous flood warnings and alerts throughout the country. As of 1.30pm on Monday, 31 March, there are 31 flood alerts and 4 flood warnings in place across England, impacting thousands of residents.
The distinct lack of precipitation has not coincided with the warning statuses, as only a day prior, on Sunday, more than 80 flood alerts and warnings were issued across various regions including South West England, North West England, North East England, and South East England. However, following changes in conditions, 61 of these warnings were subsequently removed. The remaining warnings apply to specific areas, including the Mersey Estuary in Warrington, Cheshire, Hornsea in Yorkshire, Brockweir in Gloucestershire, and the Alkborough Flats in Lincolnshire. Residents in these locations have been urged to avoid beaches, promenades, and coastal footpaths, in order to stay safe from “dangerous large waves and sea spray.”
This unusual situation, where flood risks persist despite predominantly dry weather, can be attributed to tidal forces exacerbated by spring tides and strong winds. As explained by the Met Office, spring tides are not related to the season, but occur during the full Moon and new Moon phases when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align. The recent partial solar eclipse on 29 March coincided with this lunar alignment, resulting in stronger gravitational forces that have resulted in higher than normal tides.
Compounding the situation, tidal surges can lead to abnormal rises in sea level, driven by strong winds that push seawater towards the coast. Even amidst dry weather, these surges can result from atmospheric pressure changes that draw water shoreward. When such tidal surges occur synchronously with spring tides, the resultant higher sea levels present greater flooding risks for coastal areas.
In addition to flooding caused by tidal actions, the Environment Agency has warned of continuing “stormy conditions” at sea and noted the lingering effects of winter rainfall which have left certain areas waterlogged. Consequently, individuals residing in regions under flood alerts have been advised to refrain from using low-lying footpaths or bridges near watercourses, and to avoid attempting to walk or drive through floodwaters.
The alerts and warnings reflect the ongoing complexities of weather patterns and their interactions, particularly in a time of year when spring weather is typically anticipated.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk – Corroborates the existence of flood warnings and alerts across England, including details about areas affected and the types of warnings issued.
- https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ – While not directly provided, this Met Office link would typically offer explanations on meteorological phenomena like spring tides and their impact on flooding.
- https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/alerts-and-warnings – Provides specific details on flood warnings and alerts, such as those in place at the Mersey Estuary and Hornsea.
- https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/climate/tidal-prediction – Would detail the scientific explanation behind tidal patterns, including the role of spring tides and lunar phases.
- https://www.noahwire.com – Serves as the source article itself, providing a comprehensive overview of the situation described.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative provides real-time updates on current weather conditions and flood warnings as of 31 March, indicating recent and specific events.
Quotes check
Score:
0
Notes:
There are no direct quotes to verify.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from Manchester Evening News, a reputable local news source in the UK, which typically provides reliable local news coverage.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The explanation of tidal forces, strong winds, and their impact on flooding is scientifically plausible and aligns with known weather phenomena.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be timely and based on valid scientific principles, with no reasons to doubt its accuracy. It is supported by plausible weather-related explanations and comes from a reputable source.
