weather hazards

• What are the five weather hazards in the UK?

  Severe river flooding, thunderstorms, drought, heatwaves, heavy snow
• Where does the UK's weather primarily come from?

  From different weather systems
• What is the description of severe river flooding?

  Heavy rainfall in a short period of time
• What are the impacts of severe river flooding?

  Flash flooding
• What characterizes prolonged drought?

  An extended period of below average rainfall
• What are the impacts of prolonged drought?

  Water shortages and reduced crop production
• What defines a heatwave?

  Extreme temperatures for a short period of time
• What are the impacts of heatwaves?

  Increased mortality, especially for the elderly
• What is the description of heavy snow and extreme cold?

  Very cold temperatures and lots of snow
• Which regions are more likely to be affected by heavy snow and extreme cold?

  Scotland and the north of England
• What characterizes strong winds and gales?

  Exceptionally strong winds
• What are the impacts of strong winds and gales?

  Damaged power lines, trees, and property
• What event in 2018 is known for heavy snow and extreme cold?

  The Beast from the East
• What were the conditions during the Beast from the East in 2018?

  Up to 50 cm of snow and temperatures of -12°C
• What record temperature was reached in the UK in 2022?

  40.3°C
• How is global warming expected to affect the UK's weather?

  It is likely to experience more extreme weather
• What changes in rainfall patterns are expected in the UK?

  More days of extreme rainfall and flash flooding
• What trend is observed regarding heatwaves in the UK?

  Temperatures will be warmer with more heatwaves
• What evidence is there regarding wind and drought in the UK?

  No evidence for increased wind or drought
• What geographical area experienced extreme flooding between December 2013 and February 2014?

  The Somerset Levels
• What was the wettest month on record that contributed to the flooding?

  January 2014
• How did high tides contribute to the flooding in the Somerset Levels?

  They prevented water from escaping to sea
• How many homes were flooded during the event?

  600 homes
• What was one social impact of the flooding on residents?

  Residents were evacuated to temporary shelters
• Which village was mentioned as being isolated due to the flooding?

  Muchelney
• What was a consequence for some people regarding insurance after the floods?

  Some could not get insurance
• What human cause contributed to the flooding in the Somerset Levels?

  The River Tone had not been dredged for 20 years
• How did urbanization affect the flood plain?

  It increased impermeable surfaces
• What was the estimated cost of the flood damage?

  Over $100 million
• How many businesses were affected by the flood?

  1200 businesses
• How much was lost in the tourism industry due to the flooding?

  £200 million
• What infrastructure was damaged as a result of the flooding?

  The Bristol to Taunton railway
• What immediate strategy did the Met Office implement during the flooding?

  Issued flood warnings
• How did residents protect their property during the flooding?

  Used sandbags
• What was one method used to communicate news during the flooding?

  Facebook and Twitter
• What was the purpose of the temporary pumps during the flooding?

  Pumped water back into rivers
• What long-term plan was launched to address flooding in the Somerset Levels?

  A 20 year Somerset and Moors Flood Action Plan
• How much did the dredging of Rivers Tone and Parrett cost?

  £6 million
• What environmental impact resulted from the flooding?

  Floodwater was contaminated with sewage and chemicals
• What was one consequence of stagnant water on soil?

  Soil was damaged, leading to agricultural losses