This is what extreme events look like.   We know that climate change predictions suggest that we will have more extreme events.

Cumbria: Met Office – Storm Desmond’s records: http://blog.metoffice.gov.uk/

The Met Office’s warning re climate change a month ago: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/news/2015/global-average-temperature-2015 

How will the insurance industry respond? This is what the insurance industry has done in Morpeth – before – Cumbria. https://www.cmscoms.com/?p=5451 Insurance companies brand 323m Morpeth flood scheme ‘irrelevant’. What will they have to say about Cumbria’s?

Upland and use and lowland flooding – do we understand enough about this relationship – Is this a more important part of the answer? There is a growing body of evidence and investment.

Slowing the flow – upland management to reduce flash flooding https://www.cmscoms.com/?p=5398

Upstream thinking – south-west water: https://www.cmscoms.com/?p=5392

Political response

At least Government hasn’t blamed the Environment Agency … politician’s seem to have got the idea that this kind of event is difficult to build for. 

Environment Secretary’s statement: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/environment-secretarys-statement-on-flooding 

Cumbrian floods   Rory Stewart video –  http://news.sky.com/video/1601254/floods-minister-on-cumbria-response 

Guardian http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/dec/07/britain-flood-defences-storm-desmond-fit-for-purpose