Flood investigation reports

We are responsible for carrying out an investigation after a significant flood event. We produce a Section 19 report.

A Section 19 report includes information on -

  • background information on the location impacted by a flood
  • a summary of key events, including weather warnings and flood warnings issued around the time of the flood event
  • a determination of the cause of the flooding using the best available evidence
  • the roles and responsibilities of all risk management authorities involved in the area impacted by a flood
  • recommendations for the future based on the learnings from the investigation

Each flood investigation report is carried out on a case-by-case basis. It depends on the extent and type of flooding, so each published report will differ.

When we have carried out flood investigation reports

On becoming aware of a flood event with our boundary, we must decide if the flood event is significant enough to warrant a formal flood investigation report. This is at our discretion using the best available data and evidence.

Here is a list of the flood investigation reports we have completed -

Why we carry out flood investigation reports

Section 19 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 states that Lead Local Flood Authorities are responsible for investigating and producing a report of significant flood events.

Before 2010, there was no method of investigating flood events. This means we do not have formal reports. There is information, for example in historical newspapers, of flood events dating back hundreds of years.

After the 2007 floods there were 2 key publications investigating the flooding in Hull. These are -

More information on historical floods in Hull is available at -