10 flooding hotspots in the UK revealed
A new report has revealed the areas in the UK most at risk of flooding, with less positive news for those living in Exeter, Swansea, or Glasgow.
Online Marketing Surgery (OMS) and MG Timber have put together a Flood Report, which analyses annual rainfall levels across the UK to identify regions most vulnerable to flooding.
The findings confirm a clear pattern: the west of the country receives significantly more rainfall than the east, making areas like Exeter, Swansea and Plymouth particularly flood-prone.
Exeter in Devon tops the list as the UK’s most at-risk area, recording 1,230mm of rainfall in 2024. This is nearly three times the rainfall of Guildford in Surrey, which had just 466mm — the lowest in the country.
“Looking at this data, we can see a clear pattern — the west side of the UK gets way more rain than the east. Places like Exeter and Swansea are getting more than twice the rainfall of towns in the southeast like Guildford," explained a spokesperson from OMS.
The report also stresses that flood plans need to be prioritised for different areas around the country, adding "this really shows why we need different flood plans for different parts of the country.”
Top 10 most likely places to flood in the UK
Exeter – 1,230mm
Swansea – 1,210mm
Glasgow – 1,182mm
Plymouth – 1,157mm
Cardiff – 1,112mm
Weston-super-Mare – 1,086mm
Newport – 1,066mm
Stoke-on-Trent – 1,066mm
Eastbourne – 1,054mm
Blackpool – 1,033mm
The impact of flooding
Flooding is becoming an increasingly serious problem in the UK, exacerbated by climate change.
Rising temperatures are leading to heavier and more frequent downpours, overwhelming drainage systems and pushing river levels dangerously high. Coastal communities face additional threats from rising sea levels, storm surges, and tidal flooding.
The consequences of severe flooding can be devastating. Homes and businesses can suffer extensive damage. Infrastructure such as roads and railways can be severely impacted, causing widespread disruption. On an environmental level, flooding can lead to soil erosion, water contamination, and habitat destruction.
Be sure to read our guide on how to protect your home from heavy rainfall, and if you have been flooded or need additional help, visit nationalfloodforum.org.uk.
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