Harrogate has been named among the UK locations most concerned about flooding, according to a new study.
The study, carried out by housebuyers4U, has analysed online search behaviour, as Storm Goretti brings severe weather to parts of the country.
The research places Harrogate sixth overall, with residents making an average of 393 flood-related Google searches per month per 100,000 people.
While the wider study refers to “cities”, Harrogate is a town and is included alongside larger urban areas based on search activity rather than administrative status.
The findings come as the Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for parts of England and Wales, with Storm Goretti forecast to bring snow, ice and strong winds this week.
The study analysed nationwide Google search volumes for 16 flood-related terms over the past 12 months. On average, people in the UK search for flood-related information 179 times a month per 100,000 residents.
Loughborough ranked highest overall, recording 661 average monthly flood-related searches per 100,000 residents. Lincoln and Derby followed in second and third place respectively.
UK locations most concerned about flooding ahead of Storm Goretti:
- Loughborough (661)
- Lincoln (509)
- Derby (506)
- Burton upon Trent (502)
- Worcester (455)
- Harrogate (393)
- Doncaster (390)
- Chesterfield (386)
- Oxford (379)
- Hereford (379)
According to the research, residents in Loughborough are the most likely to search online for information and advice about flooding, with ‘flood warning’ identified as the most common term.
Paul Gibbens, property expert at housebuyers4U, said:
“Storm Goretti is forecast to bring heavy rain and strong winds across parts of England and Wales. Due to the weather warning, people across the nation are increasingly concerned about the dangers of flooding.
“Brits can take precautionary measures to protect their homes this week. For example, they can add flood barriers to doorways. Air brick covers can also prevent water from entering homes through ventilation.”
The study suggests that heightened awareness of flooding risks, combined with recent severe weather events, is driving increased concern across many parts of the UK, including towns such as Harrogate.
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