Storm Dennis hits the UK just days after storm Ciara

Just days after Storm Ciara, Storm Dennis has hit the UK. With extreme flood warnings and flood alerts issued over the country, here's an overview.

Just days after Storm Ciara hit the shores of the UK, Storm Dennis has arrived. It has caused 198 flood warnings and another 326 flood alerts. Flood warnings constitute expected flooding whereas flood alerts are warnings to be prepared. According to PA Media, a further 5 severe flood warnings have been issued around the country that indicate a severe risk to life. The Met Office issued a warning until 10 AM today as a months worth of rain falls in 48 hours.

Over 500,000 people have been left without power over the weekend and thousands of travellers have been left stranded as hundreds of flights are grounded due to the extreme weather. Easyjet alone has cancelled 230 flights with many other airlines following suit. Further to this, hundreds of trains have been delayed or cancelled and roads closed as a result of heavy flooding.

What has been done to help those affected by Storm Dennis?

An emergency funding scheme has been enacted to help those in the worst affected areas. Emergency centres have been set up to assist people that have been displaced by flooding. Thousands of sandbags have been set up around the country; with places such as York expecting the worst flooding since 2000. Local authorities have mobilized all personnel to help with the operations and in some places the army has been deployed to assist those in the worst hit areas. Councils can rely on insurance and the Bellwin scheme to support their efforts in helping those affected.

The Bellwin scheme is a government initiative that reimburses local councils and authorities for the costs associated with preventing the suffering of people in the area after events such as natural disasters and extreme weather.

What has caused the rise of extreme weather patterns?

Many scientists and researchers have pointed to global warming as the cause of these more extreme weather events. As global temperatures rise, droughts become longer due to higher land temperatures. As more water evaporates, it leaves the atmosphere both moister and hotter, leading to heavier rainfall. The melting of the icecaps and rising sea levels also contribute to higher amounts of water hitting countries’ shores and more destructive flooding.