Large parts of Worcester are at high risk of long term flooding, including many residential areas.

An interactive map on the GOV.UK website shows suburbs including Diglis and parts of St John's are at significant risk of being submerged in years to come.

Areas covered by patches of darker blue on the map display places at high risk of flooding should heavy rainfall cause rivers across the city and wider county to burst.

Spots marked with lighter blue show catchments which have a medium to low risk of flooding.

Worcester News:

Households across the UK are being told to prepare for the possibility of flooding as experts predict a wetter winter than usual in the next few months.

The Met Office say there is an 'above-average' chance of the winter being wetter than normal over the three months from November to January, with the worst of the conditions expected in the new year and beyond.

Due to the potential of more wet weather, the Environment Agency (EA) is urging people to check their flood risk online, sign up for flood warnings and, if they are at risk, know what to do if flooding hits their home.

In a survey, the agency found that 61% of households in flood-risk areas did not believe their property could be affected, and 30% of people in these areas have done nothing to plan for it, meaning as many as 1.5 million homes are totally unprepared.

So, what should you be doing to ensure your home is protected?

Homes at risk of flooding are urged to follow advice from the Environment Agency.

  • If there is a flood alert, prepare by packing medicines and insurance and other important documents and visit the flood warning information service.
  • If there is a flood warning, act by moving family, pets and belongings to safety, and turn off gas, water and electricity.
  • If there is a severe flood warning, survive immediate danger by following the advice of emergency services or calling 999 if needed.

In August, it was announced that Worcester was to receive £238,000 to combat flooding in the area in 2021-22 as part of a nationwide £5.2 billion investment into flood protection and coastal erosion over the next six years.

Of which, £173,000 will go towards better protecting 35 homes in Lower Wick, an area of varying risk factors on the GOV.UK map.

The Flood and Coastal Erosion Investment Plan will help protect a total of 336,000 properties in England, including the 70 in Worcester, which it is hoped will help the country avoid around £32 billion in damages as well as reducing the national flood risk by up to 11 per cent.

Speaking at the time of the announcement, MP for Worcester, Robin Walker said: “Worcester residents know the damage flooding can do to communities which is why I have made additional flood defences and protection for homes and businesses a priority since I was elected in 2010.

“The city centre scheme to reduce surface water damage will help keep the area around the Hive safe, while a major scheme to protect Toronto Close will invest £160,000 in an area whose residents have suffered a great deal.

“Importantly, these investments will help to guard homes and families from the devastating impact of flooding, allowing people to feel reassured about the safety of their home.”