What caused December 2013 storm?
A combination of unusually low pressure, strong onshore winds and high ‘spring’ tides created the perfect conditions for the worst storm surge witnessed in the North Sea since the infamous events of late January 1953.
When was the storm in 2013?
Cyclone Xaver
| Xaver making landfall over Norway and Denmark on 5 December 2013. | |
|---|---|
| Type | European windstorm Extratropical cyclone Winter storm |
| Formed | 4 December 2013 |
| Dissipated | 10 December 2013 |
| Highest winds | 130 km/h (81 mph), Nissum Fjord, Denmark |
What were the effects of the 2013 storm?
The storm surge along parts of the coast reached higher levels than the devastating floods of 1953. Loss of life due to flooding was avoided; but there was still extensive change to the coastline, damage to seawalls, and flooding of areas designated as “hold the line”.
How did the 2013 storm surge compare to the 1953 event?
The 1953 storm had a more southerly track and generated bigger waves due to the north-northwesterly onshore winds off East Anglia. The 2013 storm had a more west-to-east path from the north Atlantic to Scandinavia. Consequently, the 1953 high waters were more extreme in the southern North Sea.
How did storm Desmond affect the environment?
Desmond directed a plume of moist air, known as an atmospheric river, which brought record amounts of rainfall to upland areas of the UK and subsequent major floods. Storm Desmond deposited an unusually large amount of rain on ground already saturated by heavy rain, causing widespread flooding.
How many storms were there in 2013?
13
The 2013 North Atlantic hurricane season had 13 named storms, two hurricanes, and no major hurricanes. The number of tropical storms was slightly above the 1981-2010 average of 12.1, the number of hurricanes was below the average of 6.4, and the lack of major hurricanes was also below the average of 2.7.
How many died in the Somerset floods?
2013–14 United Kingdom winter floods
| Emergency pumps were brought in to drain the Somerset levels. | |
|---|---|
| Date | 5 December 2013 – 25 February 2014 |
| Location | United Kingdom and Ireland |
| Deaths | at least 17 dead |
What are some negative effects of flooding?
As most people are well aware, the immediate impacts of flooding include loss of human life, damage to property, destruction of crops, loss of livestock, and deterioration of health conditions owing to waterborne diseases.
What is the social impact of storm surge?
Impact of Storm Surge A storm surge can lead to extreme flooding in coastal areas, causing property damage, loss of human life, coastal erosion, change in ecosystem etc. The two most vulnerable areas during storm surge are the estuaries and coastal areas.
Where was the worst flooding in the UK in 2013?
The 2013–2014 United Kingdom winter floods saw areas of Ireland and the United Kingdom inundated following severe storms. The south of England saw heavy rainfalls associated with these storms which caused widespread flooding, power cuts and major disruptions to transport. Economically, the worst affected areas were Somerset, Devon,…
What was the effect of the floods in December 2013?
Effects of the floods, December 2013. On Thursday 5th December, many areas of Britain and Ireland — particularly those further north — were affected by an intense winter storm that swept south-eastwards across the country throughout the day.
When did the winter floods happen in the UK?
2013–14 United Kingdom winter floods. The 2013–2014 United Kingdom winter floods saw areas of Ireland and the United Kingdom inundated following severe storms. The south of England saw heavy rainfalls associated with these storms which caused widespread flooding, power cuts and major disruptions to transport.
Are there flood warnings on the east coast?
The Environment Agency still has 12 severe flood warnings in place, most of them along the east coast in East Anglia, as well as 60 flood warnings along the east coast, and 41 of the less serious flood alerts.