The winter 2015/2016 floods in the UK: a hydrological appraisal

The flooding in winter 2015/2016 was one of the most extraordinary hydrological episodes witnessed in the UK in recent decades. The winter was defined by a succession of severe storms, bringing extreme rainfall and associated widespread flooding across northern and western regions. For the UK, December 2015 was the wettest month (for any calendar month) and it was the second wettest winter (December–February) in a series from 1910, while a number of new records were established for rainfall accumulations over shorter timescales. The hydrological response was remarkable; period of record maximum peak flows were established across northern areas of the UK, and the high flow response was notable in terms of its spatial extent, duration and frequency. The flooding had severe impacts on properties, infrastructure and livelihoods. Inevitably, the flooding was at the forefront of public, political and media attention through much of the winter and, occurring only two years after the major flooding of 2013/2014, led to a significant debate around flood management in a warming world.