Exeter braces for winter floods as defences upgrade and warning systems enhance

As Exeter faces the winter months, the city’s flood defences are being closely monitored and maintained, with new improvements and enhanced community preparedness measures in place. 

The Environment Agency and local partners are working to ensure the city is ready for potential flooding, while residents are encouraged to take steps to protect themselves and their homes.

The Exeter flood defence scheme, originally built in the 1970s, has undergone significant upgrades between 2016 and 2023. 

The scheme now spans more than eight kilometres along the River Exe, from the northern end near the Network Rail works through the city centre to the Countess Weir area.

Improvements have included the construction of raised embankments and walls, 14 flood gates, demountable barriers, and other control structures. 

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These changes have increased the system’s capacity from 700m³/s to nearly 900m³/s, effectively raising the protection standard from a 1 in 40-year flood event to a 1 in 80-year event. 

Minor upgrades over the past two years have also improved operator access to key assets for easier maintenance.

A major desilting operation at the Crematorium Screen, where the North Brook joins the St James Mill leat, was completed over the summer despite challenging access and polluted debris, allowing the float-operated valve to function reliably without manual intervention.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “The Exeter flood defence scheme offers a high level of flood protection, and we have made further improvements this year to keep the scheme working well.” 

“We work closely with partners including councils, the Crown Prosecution Service, and community groups to prepare for flooding.” 

“Our new enhanced flood warning service is now operational for Exeter and the Exe Estuary, featuring improved forecasting models for more accurate predictions.”

Exeter now benefits from an enhanced flood warning system covering the city and the Exe Estuary. 

The service uses improved forecasting models to provide residents with more accurate and timely information about potential flood events. 

Residents are encouraged to check the long-term flood risk for their area and sign up for flood alerts via the government website.

The flood defences have performed well during recent higher river flows. 

The Exwick Radial gates automatically diverted excess water into the Exwick flood relief channel, keeping flows well below the 300m³/s threshold at which water would begin to overflow at key points along the quayside.

The Environment Agency works closely with Devon County Council, which manages road closures and diversions if flood gates need to be activated, and Exeter City Council, which is restoring Trew’s Weir to maintain water levels in the Quay and canal areas.

Community and environmental partnerships also play a key role. The Crown Prosecution Service has provided support via community sentences for litter and invasive plant management along the riverside. 

Wetland scrapes downstream of Ducks Marsh are now flourishing, providing habitats for wildlife including otters and kingfishers.

When the flood scheme was built, thousands of trees were planted to replace those felled during construction, and local community groups now help manage these areas. 

Wildflower planting along Trew’s flood relief channel has also enhanced biodiversity within the city.

As Richard Cox from the Environment Agency noted: “In excess of 3,200 properties benefit directly from these new works. Key infrastructure, roads, the rail network, four schools, and seven health centres are all protected.” 

“The risk of flooding is dramatically reduced – in fact, it’s now less than a 1 per cent chance in any given year.”

Residents are reminded that no flood scheme can guarantee total protection, particularly as climate change increases the frequency of storms and extreme weather. 

The Environment Agency advises that people living in flood-prone areas take practical steps to prepare, including signing up for flood alerts and keeping essential supplies ready.

Exeter’s flood defences combine modern engineering, environmental enhancements, and community engagement to provide a strong level of protection. 

With partnerships across councils, community groups, and environmental organisations, the city is taking a proactive approach to reduce risk and increase resilience against flooding this winter.