This shows the jet stream in the Atlantic in summer 2007, in the summer the jet stream would normally travel north of the British isles and a lot high pressure to build drawing in warm dry weather. However in summer 2007 the jet stream has been persistently over the south of the British isles all summer not allowing that high pressure to build this means we have had low pressure near us nearly the whole time.
As well as just being a nuisance this weather pattern has also caused lots of problems. When the river Severn burst its banks in Gloucestershire seven people died, and more than 350,000 people were left homeless and without clean water due to the water works being flooded.
In hull a 28 year old man man died after becoming stuck in a drain, rescuers were unable to free him. Also two people died in Sheffield, the body of a 13 year old boy has been found after he was swept down a raging river. A 68 year old man drowned after getting out of his car during floods.
A massive operation was launched in Gloucestershire trying to supply people with fresh water and medical supply's. Meanwhile in West Oxford the flood water has been started being pumped away electrically. The RAF deployed 6 sea king helicopters These rescued up to 120 people.
There were many other problems such as health risks from the flood water. People were being told that the risk was low, but to try and avoid contact with the flood water.
Crop damage was also a major problem associated with the flooding. Especially broccoli, carrots, peas and potatoes. It was estimated that 40% of the pea crop had been damaged in Lincolnshire. Other crops also suffered major damage. The price of vegetables were expected to rise in the months following.
The price was also a major problem as the major insurers in Britain said that the bill could reach £2 billion. It was said that an estimated £1 billion a year was needed to improve flood defences.
The loss of crops, also has an impact on livestock as many farmers may not have the ability to feed them over winter. This along with the rise in fuel cost is expected to cause inflation.
Some of this flooding could have been prevented as the Scottish executive budget for 2006/07 showed that £17 million was set aside for flood defences and was not used.
Flood prevention such as walls along parts of rivers that are likely to burst their banks in heavy rain would be a very good step to help prevent flooding.
This would help county's that are alongside rivers most such as Oxford.
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