The Met Office reported on 27 February 2026 that England had a very wet winter with rainfall 35 per cent higher than the average, leaving residents in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, at a higher risk of local flooding and coastal wear.
Southern England experienced its seventh wettest winter since records began in 1836, with a total of 336.1mm of rain falling during the season. Much of this water came from four major storms named Bram, Goretti, Ingrid, and Chandra, which have left the ground across the region completely soaked.
According to Essex County Council, Clacton-on-Sea is the ninth most at-risk town in the county for flooding from rain. This is because the town is shaped like a valley, which allows rainwater to collect more easily in certain areas instead of draining away quickly.
To help prevent property damage, Tendring District Council is advising people to clear out their gutters and drains. The council has previously warned that the local area is one of the most challenged in the country by rising sea levels, which could put many properties at risk in the coming decades.
With the ground already full of water, any further rainfall could lead to immediate problems such as blocked drains or soggy gardens. People living and working in the area are encouraged to keep an eye on official flood alerts and make sure that any outdoor items are tied down.
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