Why is Manchester So Flood-Prone?

Manchester, renowned for its vibrant culture and industrial heritage, faces a recurring and growing challenge each year: flooding. Over time, this dynamic city has endured severe weather events, from heavy snowstorms to devastating floods, that have unfortunately wreaked havoc on homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

But what makes Manchester particularly vulnerable to flooding? In this blog, we delve into the geographical, climatic, and urban factors that contribute to this pressing issue which leaves so many in turmoil. We look at snow and flooding in Manchester as well as property flood damage and how a loss assessor may be a valuable partner when faced with such an unfortunate crisis.

According to Urban Water’s Report on Manchester, Manchester’s location and topography plays a significant role in its susceptibility to flooding. Nestled in a basin surrounded by the Pennines, the city often receives high levels of rainfall. The Pennines act as a barrier, forcing moist air upwards, resulting in frequent rain. Additionally, the River Irwell and its tributaries weave through the city, increasing the risk of riverine flooding during prolonged rainfall or sudden snowmelt.

The city’s urban environment exacerbates the flooding problem. With its dense network of roads, buildings, and other impermeable surfaces, water has fewer places to drain naturally. This leads to surface water flooding, especially after continual heavy rain. Recent years have seen record-breaking rainfall and significant snow events, contributing to flooding that disrupts daily life in Manchester.

For Manchester residents and business owners, the severe consequences of snow and flooding are far-reaching and devastating. When snow melts rapidly or combines with heavy rainfall, it can overwhelm drainage systems, resulting in waterlogging and property damage. This impacts homes and businesses alike, with water intrusion causing structural damage, ruining essential and sentimental belongings, and even rendering properties uninhabitable, which in turn has its own ramifications. Businesses may face operational interruptions, loss of stock, and even prolonged closures.

This not only causes significant financial hardship, but also creates ongoing stress from dealing with the aftermath - filing insurance claims and liaising with insurance companies, navigating the lengthy recovery process, and coping with the loss of goods and a sense of safety. The emotional toll on residents and business owners cannot be understated, as the recovery process is often lengthy and stressful. Additionally, the complexities of filing insurance claims during such crises add another layer of frustration.

Harris Balcombe has become a trusted ally and loss assessor for many Manchester residents, landlords and business owners during these difficult times. As a local expert in insurance claims, we are frequently contacted to assist in navigating the claims process and securing fair settlements for flood-related damages, especially as there is such a high demand of Manchester flood insurance claims post such a disaster in a concentrated area. Our expertise in dealing with flood related claims provides much-needed relief for those struggling to recover physically, financially and emotionally.

In the aftermath of a flood, dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming from the get-go. Often, policyholders are inundated with trying to make emergency plans for their flooded home, or damaged business premise, that dealing with an insurer, gathering evidence and ensuring the claim is properly submitted is burdensome. This is where a professional loss assessor like Harris Balcombe steps in. A loss assessor’s role is to represent policyholders and ensure their claims are handled fairly and comprehensively and they receive the maximum settlement.

There are multiple reasons why hiring a loss assessor when you make a claim cannot be overemphasised. Their involvement from the get-go means you’re free to focus on recovering from the loss, while they handle the heavy lifting.

Below are two flood case studies demonstrating Harris Balcombe’s expertise:
Blackett Close Flood
Shipley Floods

Floods are one of the most common and costly natural disasters and acts of god, particularly for home and business owners in high-risk areas, including Manchester. While no solution can entirely eliminate the risk of flooding, proactive measures and flood resilience planning can significantly reduce its impact. With this in mind, homeowners and businesses in Manchester should consider the following:/

Read our Flood-Prone Homes: Essential Insurance Tips for High-Risk Areas blog for more in-depth information and tips.

As climate change continues to exacerbate extreme weather patterns, building resilience against flooding is more important than ever. For Manchester residents and businesses, this means planning ahead, staying informed, and partnering with professionals such as Harris Balcombe Manchester services who can provide invaluable Insurance claim assistance and support during crises in Manchester.

Harris Balcombe stands out as a leader in this field as Loss assessors in Manchester. Our local expertise as Manchester’s flooding solution partner, combined with decades of experience in loss assessment, makes us a trusted partner for navigating the complexities of flood insurance claims. Whether it’s providing immediate assistance after a flood or offering long-term resilience strategies, Harris Balcombe is committed to helping Manchester recover and thrive.

Navigating the complexities of insurance policies when it comes to floods is essential for homeowners. Harris Balcombe’s tailored services ensure that no matter how severe the storm, recovery is always within reach, securing the compensation needed to recover and rebuild after a flood.

Contact us today or Start your Claim now to speak to one of our loss assessors about your flood in Manchester.