More than 4.6 million homes in England sit in areas at high risk of surface water flooding, new analysis shows, underscoring growing concerns as winter storms intensify.

A review of Environment Agency data by Emoov highlights the scale of exposure across English regions, identifying millions of properties classified as being at high or medium risk.

Surface water flooding happens when heavy rainfall overwhelms drains and local infrastructure. Unlike river flooding, it can strike with little warning and in places that may not traditionally see themselves as vulnerable.

London has the highest number of high-risk properties, accounting for almost 30% of all high-risk homes in England, despite representing just 7.4% of its total properties.

This is twice the rate compared to the national total, and a far higher rate than any other region.

The East of England ranks second with 15.9% of high-risk properties at risk of surface water flooding. The South East follows, containing 11.9% of high-risk properties in the area.

Conversely, the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber have comparatively fewer high-risk properties, both in total numbers and as a share of regional housing.  

Nationally, the total number of properties at risk could rise from 4.6 million to 6.1 million by 2060 due to climate change, with high-risk properties potentially increasing by 66%.

Nick Neale from Emmov commented: “As the winter weather sets in and the chance of unpredictable weather events is high. People should have an emergency plan and kit in place. By putting measures in place, such as a family evacuation plan and sharing emergency contacts, you are ensuring the safety of yourself and those around you.”