The summer of 2025 has brought another wave of flooding to many parts of the UK, with heavy rainfall disrupting travel, damaging property, and forcing local authorities into emergency response mode. While none of this is new, the growing frequency and unpredictability of flood events is changing the way we need to prepare.
So, what have we learned from the recent floods?
Surface Water Flooding Is a Growing Problem
While river flooding grabs headlines, much of the recent disruption has been caused by surface water, rainfall that overwhelms urban drainage systems and collects on roads, car parks, and outside buildings. This kind of flooding is harder to predict, but it’s often the most disruptive. Ensuring gullies are clear and drains are protected (with tools like the Witches Hat Drain Guard) can make a significant difference.
Preparation Outperforms Reaction
Some councils, businesses and property managers who had flood protection in place (including temporary barriers like the NOAQ Boxwall or well-rehearsed flood plans) managed to minimise downtime and damage. Waiting until the water arrives is too late to cut it. Resilience means planning in advance.
Smarter Use of Data Is Urgently Needed
Recent reports have highlighted the need for UK councils to better utilise mapping and geospatial data to inform flood risk and responses. Countries with stronger flood resilience tend to invest in real-time, location-based information that helps guide investment in infrastructure and protection.
Low-Risk Doesn’t Mean No Risk
Several areas affected by this summer’s flooding weren’t considered high risk in the past. With climate patterns shifting, more intense storms can cause flash floods in places with limited drainage capacity. That means flood protection should be part of business continuity planning, even in previously unaffected areas.
Building Flood Resilience
At Flood Solutions UK, we work with site managers, business owners, and local authorities to deliver adaptable, easy-to-deploy flood protection that works for a wide range of properties. From drain guards to modular barriers, our products are designed for real-world conditions.
Concerned about flood risk in your area?
Contact our team to talk through your options.
