Homeowners in England urged to check flood risk: ‘A third of people don’t realise’

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 1, 2026

The Environment Agency reports that over two million homeowners in England are unaware their properties are at significant risk of flooding as wetter and windier weather driven partly by an intensified El Niño event approaches. With one-third of at-risk residents not recognizing the threat, officials urge people to check their flood status and prepare personal flood plans ahead of a potentially disruptive autumn and winter season.

More than two million homeowners in England remain unaware that their properties face a significant risk of flooding, according to the Environment Agency (EA), as the country prepares for a wetter and windier start to winter. The agency cautioned that a combination of weather patterns, including the influence of an intensified El Niño event, is expected to increase flood risks over the coming months.

The EA highlighted that out of approximately six million properties identified as being potentially at risk of flooding, roughly one-third of occupants do not recognize the threat to their homes. Caroline Douglass, the EA’s director for flood and coastal risk management, emphasized the importance for residents to verify their flood risk status through official government channels. She urged the public to sign up for flood warnings and to develop personal flood plans to enhance preparedness.

“Knowing your risk is fundamental,” Douglass said. “We want people to check whether their home is vulnerable and take necessary precautions now.”

This warning comes ahead of the meteorological autumn and early winter period, during which the UK typically experiences more volatile weather. The Met Office forecast indicates an increased likelihood that October through December will see conditions that are wetter, windier, and milder than average. Will Lang, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, explained that while El Niño is contributing to these shifts, it is one of several factors affecting the UK’s weather patterns.

“El Niño is amplifying the odds of wet and windy weather, but the overall impact is more subtle,” Lang noted. “Nevertheless, this does raise the potential for flooding to occur.”

Despite expectations of heightened rainfall and atmospheric disturbance, certain regions continue to experience drought conditions due to depleted reservoir levels. The Met Office pointed out that returning to normal water reserves will require sustained above-average rainfall throughout the winter months, suggesting a complex balance between flood and drought risks.

Last year, flooding caused significant disruption across the UK, making these warnings particularly salient. Authorities are encouraging residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and to take proactive steps in preparation for the months ahead.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.