Winter storm season requires us to be prepared, as major flood and climate resilience works across Leeds continue

Since the Boxing Day floods of 2015, Leeds City Council and the Environment Agency have completed a range of schemes to improve the flood resilience of the city. Examples include the multi-million-pound Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 1 (Leeds FAS1) in Leeds city centre, as well as schemes at Otley, Killingbeck, Garforth, Mickletown and Cottingley. Schemes to reduce flooding impacts from Meanwood Beck, Wortley Beck, Sheepscar Beck, Thorner Beck and in Potternewton are under development. 

Construction continues to progress on the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 2 (Leeds FAS2). Due to complete in Spring 2024, the scheme will protect a further 1,048 homes, 474 businesses and key infrastructure along a 14km stretch from Leeds City Station to Apperley Bridge.  

When it is complete, the scheme will reduce the risk of flooding to a 0.5% chance of occurring in any given year, including a climate change allowance. The area currently protected by Leeds FAS1 will also have its level of protection doubled from a 1% chance to a 0.5% chance of flooding occurring in any given year. There were recent examples of increased protection for areas of Kirkstall and Newlay during storm Babet – including the completed section at the Redcote Lane substation – but the scheme will not provide significant protection until it is fully complete. 

Despite this encouraging progress on schemes across the city, the concentrated number of named storms and high rainfall, high winds, and wintry conditions at the end of the year are a cause for concern. 

Since July 2023, the average monthly rainfall in Leeds has exceeded the national average of the last 30 years, with heavy rainfall in July, October & November. The Leeds FAS1 was operated for the 9th time since its completion during storm Babet and was close to being needed again this weekend as storms Elin and Fergus made their way across the country.  

An alphabetical list of named storms is released by the Met Office in September each year. The increased frequency of storms this autumn and winter means we are already at F, following Storms Elin and Fergus last weekend. This is the fastest the UK has experienced this many named storms since the naming system was started in 2015, and conditions remain unsettled. Storm clusters (a series of storms in quick succession) result in particularly challenging conditions, as the ground is still wet, and there is not sufficient time for river levels to decrease before the next period of heavy rainfall. 

It is for this reason, that all residents should remind themselves of how they can prepare for flooding. That includes flooding to homes and businesses, as well as how to stay safe when travelling in times of flooding.  there are actions that we can all take to prepare and to keep ourselves safe:  

1. Create a flood plan. You can find templates on the government website for a Personal flood plan, Community or group flood plan and a Business flood plan 
2. Sign up for flood alerts in your area for free on gov.uk  
3. Read guidance on the different types of flood warnings, and what they mean for your home or your travel plans  
4. Do not try to travel through flood water, on foot, in a vehicle or otherwise. Read more advice for driving in storms, rain and strong wind. 
5. Learn more about how you can report flooding, blocked drains and gullies, and more to the Council and other relevant organisations.  

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for sustainable development and infrastructure, said: 

“We have seen some important milestones on the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme this year, and I would like to thank everyone working on the scheme for their hard work, as well as all the landowners and residents who have worked with us to ensure that this state-of-the-art feat of engineering becomes a reality. It is a vital part of the plan to ensure that thousands of people and livelihoods in Leeds are more resilient to the increased threats of the climate emergency.” 

“Many of us remember the events of Boxing Day 2015, and it is important to say that with the Leeds FAS1 fully operational, we are far more resilient to flooding than we were then. However, we have experienced a lot of rain this year, with more on the way – which further highlights the necessity of the work we continue to do on Leeds FAS2, as well as the other schemes across Leeds. It also serves as a prompt reminder that there are steps that we can all take to increase our own resilience should the worst happen. Please take the time to review the actions listed above so that you can be as prepared as possible.” 

ENDS