Ministers, forecasters and flood managers met at The Deep in Hull on Thursday 18 December to agree practical steps for the rest of winter. Chaired by Floods Minister Emma Hardy, the Flood Resilience Taskforce put people-first measures-warnings, maintenance and planning-at the centre of its discussion.

The Met Office told the meeting to expect a calmer spell around Christmas followed by a higher chance of wetter, windier weather later in winter. That near-term picture now sits alongside a longer planning window: the Flood Forecasting Centre’s Flood Outlook provides 6–30 day guidance, while the National Flood Model has been upgraded to a 30‑day horizon, up from seven days last year. These tools give councils and responders more time to stage equipment, schedule crews and brief the public.

Recent operations underlined why that extra time matters. During last month’s Storm Claudia, Environment Agency teams cleared debris and deployed temporary barriers-measures credited with keeping more than 18,000 properties in England from flooding. Officials also reviewed lessons from storms Claudia and Bram to tighten response plans for late winter.

On asset condition, ministers said funding has been reprioritised towards upkeep, with £108 million directed to maintenance this year. That shift has helped restore or maintain the expected standard of protection for a further 14,500 properties-an urgent task after years of deteriorating defences.

Transport resilience featured heavily. The Department for Transport’s new Climate Adaptation Strategy sets a course for keeping roads, rail and ports moving through floods, with clear responsibilities for industry and measures that can be acted on now.

Clear public information can save lives. Following a recommendation from Parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee, the Taskforce will form an action group to improve how flood incidents are reported and understood nationally, aiming for a single, trusted route to advice by 2026.

Scope matters too. The Environment Agency’s latest national assessment finds around 6.3 million properties in England are in areas at risk from rivers, the sea or surface water today, with exposure expected to grow. The independent FloodReady Review projects risk could reach about 8 million-roughly one in four homes-by mid‑century without sustained adaptation.

For households, action is straightforward and proven. Sign up to the Environment Agency’s ‘Get flood warnings’ service, prepare a simple flood plan, and speak to your insurer about property flood resilience products-from flood doors and non‑return valves to raised electrics-that cut repair time and cost after an incident.

For local authorities and emergency services, the summer Rapid Flood Guidance service offers short‑notice alerts on surface‑water hazards-exactly the type that can hit hardest after intense downpours-while more than 1,500 responders have been trained on warnings and new national guidance covers high‑risk settings such as caravan parks. London’s new Surface Water Strategy shows how city‑wide partnerships can scale practical measures like rain gardens and SuDS.

Research is moving fast. New peer‑reviewed work this year demonstrated skill in predicting UK flood risk months ahead using machine‑learning applied to ensembles of climate forecasts-evidence that longer‑range tools can confidently guide maintenance schedules, stock positioning and catchment‑scale planning.

Funding remains a test of resolve. Government has set out a two‑year £2.65 billion programme through March 2026, targeting 52,000 properties for better protection, alongside repairs and maintenance already underway. Progress reports show tens of thousands of homes and businesses benefited in the first year, with more schemes due in 2026.

The near‑term forecast brings a short window to prepare before a likely wetter end to winter. With clearer warnings, stronger maintenance and an honest conversation about risk, this is a moment to act-so communities can enjoy a quieter festive period and meet late‑season storms on their terms, not the other way round.