View source for 2009 Great Britain and Ireland floods

{{EngvarB|date=October 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Infobox weather event
 | name              = 2009 Great Britain and Ireland floods
 | image             = November 2009 Great Britain and Ireland floods map.svg
 | alt               = Map of the British Isles showing affected regions
 | caption           = {{legend|#0080FF|Areas affected by flooding}}{{legend|#002255|Death(s) from flooding}}{{legend|#C83737|Areas affected by strong winds}}{{legend|#550000|Death(s) from strong winds}}
 }}{{Infobox weather event/History
 | duration          = 1 November 2009 – December 2009
 }}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
 | damages     = 
 | fatalities  = 4
 | affected    = {{Collapsible list|title='''Ireland'''|[[Cork (city)|Cork]]|[[County Carlow]]|[[County Clare]]|[[County Cork]]|[[County Dublin]]|[[County Galway]]|[[County Kerry]]|[[County Kildare]]|[[County Kilkenny]]|[[County Leitrim]]|[[County Limerick]]|[[County Longford]]|[[County Mayo]]|[[County Offaly]]|[[County Roscommon]]|[[County Sligo]]|[[County Tipperary]]|[[County Westmeath]]|[[Northern Ireland]]}}
{{Collapsible list|title='''England'''|[[Cornwall]]|[[Cumbria]]|[[Devon]]|[[Dorset]]|[[East Sussex]]|[[Essex]]|[[Hampshire]]|[[Isle of Wight]]|[[Kent]]|[[Lancashire]]|[[Shropshire]]|[[Suffolk]]|[[West Sussex]]}}
{{Collapsible list|title='''Northern Ireland'''|[[County Londonderry]]<br>[[County Tyrone]]}}
{{Collapsible list|title='''Scotland'''|[[Dumfries and Galloway]]|[[Perth and Kinross]]|[[Scottish Borders]]}}
{{Collapsible list|title='''Wales'''|[[Carmarthenshire]]|[[Conwy]]|[[Pembrokeshire]]|[[Powys]]}}
{{Collapsible list|title='''Elsewhere'''|[[Isle of Man]]}}
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer}}
The '''2009 Great Britain and Ireland floods''' were a weather event that affected parts of [[Great Britain]] and [[Ireland]] throughout November and into December 2009. November was the wettest month across the United Kingdom since records began in 1914 and had well above average temperatures.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/2009/november.html |title=November 2009 |publisher=The [[Met Office]] |access-date=6 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605051755/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/2009/november.html |archive-date=5 June 2011 }}</ref> The worst affected area in Great Britain was the English county of [[Cumbria]]. The Irish counties of [[County Clare|Clare]], [[County Cork|Cork]], [[County Galway|Galway]] and [[County Westmeath|Westmeath]] were among the worst affected areas of Ireland.

[[European windstorm]]s bringing heavy rain and gale-force winds caused damage and flooding to the south of Great Britain on 13–14 November. Unsettled weather continued across the south and later to the north. On 19–20 November, many towns and villages in [[Cumbria]] and [[Dumfries and Galloway]] were affected. A number of bridges collapsed, one of which led to the death of a police officer, who was standing on the bridge when it collapsed.<ref name="BBC Barker">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/8370692.stm|title=Body found in floods search is missing policeman|date=20 November 2009|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=20 November 2009|location=London| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091123100906/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/8370692.stm| archive-date= 23 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="Sky Barker">{{cite news|url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Floods-Police-Confirm-That-Body-Found-On-Beach-In-Cumbria-Is-Missing-Bridge-Collapse-Pc-Bill-Barker/Article/200911315458931?lpos=UK_News_Carousel_Region_0&lid=ARTICLE_15458931_Floods%3A_Police_Confirm_That_Body_Found_On_Beach_In_Cumbria_Is_Missing_Bridge_Collapse_Pc_Bill_Barker |title=Police confirm that body is missing bridge collapse officer |date=20 November 2009 |work=[[Sky News]] |access-date=20 November 2009 |location=London |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091124103838/http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Floods-Police-Confirm-That-Body-Found-On-Beach-In-Cumbria-Is-Missing-Bridge-Collapse-Pc-Bill-Barker/Article/200911315458931?lpos=UK_News_Carousel_Region_0&lid=ARTICLE_15458931_Floods%3A_Police_Confirm_That_Body_Found_On_Beach_In_Cumbria_Is_Missing_Bridge_Collapse_Pc_Bill_Barker |archive-date=24 November 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Another death occurred on 21 November as a canoeist was trapped against a tree near [[Poundsgate]], on [[Dartmoor]] in Devon. In [[Powys]], there were two deaths, at [[Newtown, Powys|Newtown]] and [[Talybont-on-Usk]].

Among the many places severely flooded was the Republic of Ireland's second largest city, [[Cork (city)|Cork]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Shanahan |first=Catherine |url=http://examiner.ie/home/devastation-106121.html |title=Devastation &#124; Irish Examiner |publisher=Examiner.ie |date=21 November 2009 |access-date=23 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100105225158/http://www.examiner.ie/home/devastation-106121.html| archive-date= 5 January 2010 | url-status= dead}}</ref><ref name="Ireland faces massive clean-up bill for worst flooding in living memory">{{cite web|author=Donal Thornton|url=http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Ireland-faces-massive-clean-up-bill-for-worst-flooding-in-living-memory-70612252.html|title=Ireland faces massive clean-up bill for worst flooding in living memory|date=20 November 2009|access-date=20 November 2009|work=Irish Central| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091123223810/http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Ireland-faces-massive-clean-up-bill-for-worst-flooding-in-living-memory-70612252.html| archive-date= 23 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> For more than ten days, 40 per cent of its population were without running water after a treatment plant was affected by several metres of flood water.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1121/weather.html |title=RTÉ News: South & West on alert as more rain forecast |publisher=RTÉ.ie |date= 21 November 2009|access-date=23 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091124073121/http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1121/weather.html| archive-date= 24 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> [[University College Cork]] was damaged and at least a week of lectures was cancelled.<ref name="breakingnewscivic">{{cite web|url=http://breakingnews.ie/ireland/council-declares-civic-emergency-in-cork-435282.html |title=Council declares civic emergency in Cork |publisher=BreakingNews.ie |date=21 November 2009 |access-date=21 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091124113447/http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/council-declares-civic-emergency-in-cork-435282.html| archive-date= 24 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> Courts were also disrupted, with some eventually being moved to a hotel.<ref name="Cork court moved to hotel by floods"/> At the time, [[Taoiseach]] [[Brian Cowen]] described the situation in Ireland as an "ongoing emergency" that was going to get worse.<ref name="Brian Cowen Says Ireland’s Flooding Is Continuing Emergency">{{cite news|author=Colm Heatley|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601102&sid=aA.2NT55emKc|title=Brian Cowen Says Ireland's Flooding Is Continuing Emergency|date=26 November 2009|access-date=27 November 2009|publisher=[[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]]}}</ref><ref name="Climate change rain warning">{{cite news|author=Ann Cahill|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/climate-change-rain-warning-106459.html|title=Climate change rain warning|date=26 November 2009|access-date=27 November 2009|newspaper=[[Irish Examiner]]}}</ref>

==Event==
Before the severe [[gale]]s affecting the United Kingdom on 13 November, unsettled weather had been affecting all of the United Kingdom since 12 November.<ref name="13-14">{{cite web|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/corporate/pressoffice/2009/ht20091117.html |title=Stormy weather 13 and 14 November 2009 |date=17 November 2009 |work=The [[Met Office]] |access-date=20 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20091209175328/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/corporate/pressoffice/2009/ht20091117.html |archive-date=9 December 2009 }}</ref>

[[File:Brighton stormy sea November 2009.jpg|thumb|left|Sea conditions observed on 14 November in [[Brighton]], England]]
On 13 November an [[area of low pressure]] developed to the south-west of Ireland. It moved north-eastwards across the [[Irish Sea]] and west Scotland on 14 November. Weather fronts bringing heavy rain swept across the west and south of the United Kingdom. {{convert|30|mm}} of rainfall in three hours was recorded in some parts of [[Sussex]] and [[Hampshire]]. The wind, coming from the south, reached gale to severe gale strength on 13 November; gusting between {{convert|65|mph}} and {{convert|75|mph}} in some areas. On 14 November, strong winds and showers affected southern Great Britain, with winds gusting up to {{convert|50|mph}} and {{convert|90|mph}} on the coast. A [[tornado]] was reported to have occurred in the east of England on 14 November.<ref name="13-14" />

Over the night of 19–20 November 2009, a forecast depression tracked northwest over Ireland, the [[Isle of Man]], Cumbria and Dumfries and Galloway. Rainfall in a 24-hour period was recorded at {{convert|71.6|mm|in}} at [[Shap]] and {{convert|64.2|mm|in}} at [[Keswick, Cumbria|Keswick]].<ref name=BBC8369934/> At [[Seathwaite, Allerdale|Seathwaite Farm]], [[Borrowdale]], rainfall was recorded at {{convert|314.4|mm|in}} in a 24-hour period which the [[Met Office]] state is provisionally a UK record for any single location.<ref name="MO">{{cite web|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/corporate/pressoffice/2009/pr20091120.html |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20091209150732/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/corporate/pressoffice/2009/pr20091120.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 December 2009 |title=Recent heavy rain over north-west Britain |author=[[Met Office]] |date=20 November 2009 |work=News Archive |publisher=Met Office |access-date=21 November 2009 }}</ref> At [[Penrith, Cumbria|Penrith]] a multi-agency co-ordination centre was established.<ref name=WG4749631>{{cite web|url=http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/4749631.Cumbria_flooding__Police_urge_against_unnecessary_travel_or_fell_walking/ |title=Cumbria flooding: Police urge against unnecessary travel or fell walking |work=[[The Westmorland Gazette]] |access-date=20 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122110542/http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/4749631.Cumbria_flooding__Police_urge_against_unnecessary_travel_or_fell_walking/ |archive-date=22 November 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> The floods were described as "the worst in 55 years".<ref name=WG4749177>{{cite web|url=http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/4749177.Cumbria_flooding___Worst_in_55_years____Kendal_couple/ |title=Cumbria flooding: 'Worst in 55 years'&nbsp;– Kendal couple |work=[[The Westmorland Gazette]]|access-date=20 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091122110532/http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/4749177.Cumbria_flooding___Worst_in_55_years____Kendal_couple/| archive-date= 22 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> The Met Office reported that at [[Eskdalemuir]], the amount of rainfall recorded in a 24-hour period exceeded the previous record set in 1931.<ref name=BBC8369752/>

Heavy rain across [[Devon]] on 21 November caused the [[River Dart]] on [[Dartmoor]] to swell. A group of canoeists on the river were treated for [[hypothermia]] and one of the members died after being trapped against a tree at [[Poundsgate]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/8372604.stm|title=Canoeist dies after being pulled from River Dart, Devon |date=21 November 2009|work=BBC News|access-date=21 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091124093309/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/8372604.stm| archive-date= 24 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

==Damage==

===1–12 November===
The Met Office predicted that an area of low pressure would "[[Explosive cyclogenesis|explosively deepen]] close to the UK on Sunday 1 November,"<ref name="Deep depression brings heavy rain on 1 November 2009">{{cite web|url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/corporate/pressoffice/2009/ht20091102.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20100117123311/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/corporate/pressoffice/2009/ht20091102.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 January 2010 |title=Deep depression brings heavy rain on 1 November 2009 |date=2 November 2009 |access-date=23 November 2009 |publisher=Met Office }}</ref> which resulted in heavy rain across the country. Thirteen people were rescued from homes and vehicles in more than 100 flooding incidents across Wales.<ref name="Thirteen rescued after flooding">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8336502.stm|title=Thirteen rescued after flooding|date=1 November 2009|access-date=23 November 2009|work=BBC News| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091104061509/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8336502.stm| archive-date= 4 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

In Scotland on 1 November, Angus and Aberdeenshire were badly hit by flooding, causing transport disruption, burst pipes and the evacuation of hundreds of homes. The coastal town of Arbroath was one of the worst affected, being virtually cut off by severe flooding

In Northern Ireland, villages near the [[County Tyrone]]-[[County Londonderry]] border were hit by heavy rainfall the night of 4 November causing several families to be evacuated, and more than a dozen homes flooded.<ref name="Councillor">{{cite web|url=http://www.nwipp-newspapers.com/SC/free/332268844707712.php |title=Councillor in call for emergency meeting after flooding devastates the Magheramason area |date=12 November 2009 |access-date=23 November 2009 |publisher=Strabane Chronicle |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091116082646/http://www.nwipp-newspapers.com/SC/free/332268844707712.php |archive-date=16 November 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[Sligo]] was heavily flooded on 9 November.<ref name="Heavy flooding in Sligo">{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1109/flooding.html|title=Heavy flooding in Sligo|date=9 November 2009|access-date=22 November 2009|publisher=[[RTÉ]]| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091113141125/http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1109/flooding.html| archive-date= 13 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> [[Passage West]] in [[County Cork]] was subjected to a thirty-minute flash flood on 12 November, causing an estimated €100,000 worth of damage and wrecking ten cars and several homes.<ref name="Cork clean-up after flooding">{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1112/flooding.html|title=Cork clean-up after flooding|date=12 November 2009|access-date=22 November 2009|publisher=[[RTÉ]]| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091123085156/http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1112/flooding.html| archive-date= 23 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

===13–15 November===
The [[area of low pressure]] affecting southern Great Britain on 13–14 November caused some surface water flooding and damage from gales. Surface water flooding affected [[Devon]] and [[Cornwall]]. The gale-force winds across the counties brought down trees, branches, power cables and roofs. Local authorities and the [[Highways Agency]] were strained in maintaining traffic flow. [[Dorset]] reported [[coastal flooding]] as severe gales occurred during [[high tide]]. Some residents across the [[Wales|Welsh]] counties of [[Pembrokeshire]] and [[Carmarthenshire]] were rescued by [[Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service]].<ref name="13-14" /> Flooding was widespread in the [[Conwy Valley]], with homes in [[Betws-y-Coed]], [[Llanrwst]] and nearby villages affected.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/11/19/wales-braced-for-more-winds-floods-and-possibly-a-tornado-91466-25202740/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130114050625/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/11/19/wales-braced-for-more-winds-floods-and-possibly-a-tornado-91466-25202740/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 January 2013 |title=Wales braced for more winds, floods&nbsp;– and possibly a tornado |date=19 November 2009 |work=[[Wales Online]] |access-date=20 November 2009 }}</ref> Twelve people were rescued from a coach trapped in floodwater at [[Haverfordwest]].<ref name=BBC8358530/>

The [[Environment Agency]] issued 110 flood warnings prior to the storm reaching Great Britain on 13–14 November. Peak gusts reached {{convert|100|mph}} at [[The Needles]] lighthouse, [[Isle of Wight]]. A tornado developed in [[South Benfleet|Benfleet]], Essex, damaging 60 homes.<ref name="independent 15th">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/dover-closed-as-winds-hit-100mph-1820951.html|title=Dover closed as winds hit 100&nbsp;mph|last=Chambers|first=Charlotte|date=15 November 2009|work=[[The Independent]]|access-date=20 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091125091829/http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/dover-closed-as-winds-hit-100mph-1820951.html| archive-date= 25 November 2009 | url-status= live| location=London}}</ref> Another tornado in [[Lowestoft]], Suffolk brought down a tree trapping a woman in a car.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/6570555/Four-teenagers-die-in-crash-as-storms-batter-Britain.html|title=Four teenagers die in crash as storms batter Britain|first=David|last=Barrett|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=14 November 2009|access-date=22 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091117120105/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/6570555/Four-teenagers-die-in-crash-as-storms-batter-Britain.html| archive-date= 17 November 2009 | url-status= live| location=London}}</ref> In [[Haywards Heath]], West Sussex, people were rescued from units on an industrial estate which was {{convert|60|cm|ft|0}} deep in water.<ref name=BBC8358530>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8358530.stm |title=Floods as UK faces stormy gales |work=BBC News Online |access-date=22 November 2009 | date=14 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091119033254/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8358530.stm| archive-date= 19 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

===18–25 November===

====Great Britain====
{{Multiple image | direction = vertical | width = 200
|image1=Northside_Bridge,_Workington.jpg
|alt1=
|image2=Northside Bridge, Workington-1.JPG
|alt2=
|caption2=Northside Bridge over the [[River Derwent, Cumbria|River Derwent]] in [[Workington]], seen here before and after it was destroyed
}}
[[File:Southwaite Mill Bridge Cockermouth November 2009.jpg|thumb|Damage done to the Southwaite Mill Bridge]]
[[File:Workington 2009 flood.jpg|thumb|The approach to Calva Bridge, Workington, 20 November 2009]] [[File:Calva Bridge, Workington.jpg|thumb|Calva Bridge, Workington, which was condemned as a result of damage received in the flooding]]
In [[Lancashire]], [[firefighter]]s had to rescue schoolchildren trapped in a bus stranded by floodwater at [[Sawley, Lancashire|Sawley]], and flooding occurred in [[Barnoldswick]], [[Blackburn]], [[Burnley]] and [[Borough of Rossendale|Rossendale]]. Workers at Kippax Mill in [[Crawshawbooth]] were evacuated when the building was hit by a landslide as the hill collapsed under the weight of water.<ref>{{cite news|author=Nazia Parveen |url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/ribblevalley/sawley/4745125.East_Lancashire_hit_by_floods_____and_more_to_come/ |title=East Lancashire hit by floods&nbsp;– and more to come |date=19 November 2009 |work=[[Lancashire Telegraph]] |access-date=20 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091125144546/http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/ribblevalley/sawley/4745125.East_Lancashire_hit_by_floods_____and_more_to_come/ |archive-date=25 November 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Many properties were flooded in [[Ambleside]], leaving the main road impassable for most vehicles.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8369699.stm|title=Cumbria floods: Your stories|date=20 November 2009|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=20 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091123104350/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8369699.stm| archive-date= 23 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> Over 200 people in [[Cockermouth]] were rescued from their homes by the emergency services.<ref name="BBC8366360">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8366360.stm|title=More than 200 people rescued in floods in Cumbria town|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=20 November 2009 | date=20 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091120131250/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8366360.stm| archive-date= 20 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> About 75 people were accommodated overnight in [[Cockermouth School]] and the Shepherds Hotel (known locally as the Sheep & Wool Centre).<ref name=BBC8371628/> [[RAF Search and Rescue Force|Search and rescue]] [[helicopter]]s from [[RAF Valley]], [[RAF Boulmer]] and [[RAF Leconfield]] rescued approximately 50 people, with the remainder being rescued by boat, particularly by the [[Royal National Lifeboat Institution|RNLI]], and [[HM Coastguard]]. A Coastguard helicopter was deployed to the area from [[Stornoway]] to supplement the military SAR assets. Water levels in the town centre were reported to be as high as {{convert|2.50|m|ftin}}, resulting in the collapse of Lorton Bridge,<ref name=BBC8369934>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8369934.stm |title=Cumbria floods: Body found in hunt for policeman |work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=20 November 2009 | date=20 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091123211549/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8369934.stm| archive-date= 23 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> and over 1,200 properties losing their electricity supply.<ref name=BBC8369400>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/8369400.stm |title=Hundreds of people rescued in flood-hit Cockermouth |work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=20 November 2009 | date=20 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091121223630/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/8369400.stm| archive-date= 21 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> [[Coniston Water]] burst its banks and submerged roads, fields and local premises. Electricity supply was lost to 349 properties in [[Keswick, Cumbria|Keswick]].<ref name=BBC8369934/> About 50 people were accommodated overnight in Keswick's Convention Centre, as well as the Skiddaw Hotel and St Joseph's School.<ref name=BBC8371628/> Several homes were also flooded in the town after the [[River Greta, Cumbria|River Greta]] burst its banks, rising {{convert|1.5|m|ftin}} above normal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1491711?UserKey=|title=The Press and Journal: ''Battle to Rescue Hundreds Trapped in Severe Flooding''|access-date=20 November 2009}}</ref>

In south [[Ulverston]], a number of residents had to be evacuated&nbsp;– around 80 homes were flooded on North Lonsdale Road and the surrounding areas,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/8371926.stm|title=Flood victims face further chaos |work=BBC News|date=21 November 2009|access-date=22 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091124095729/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/8371926.stm| archive-date= 24 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> with many accommodated at [[Ulverston Victoria High School]].<ref name=WG4750408>{{cite web|url=http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/4750408.Cumbria_flooding__Ulverston_evacuation_centre_opened/ |title=Cumbria flooding: Ulverston evacuation centre opened |work=The Westmorland Gazette|access-date=20 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091123181823/http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/4750408.Cumbria_flooding__Ulverston_evacuation_centre_opened/| archive-date= 23 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> A number of [[Great Britain road numbering scheme|A roads]] in the surrounding area had to be closed off and some train services were disrupted.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/ulverston/water_mess_1_639756?referrerPath=news/ |title=Flooding hits Cumbria |work=[[North West Evening Mail]] |date=20 November 2009 |access-date=21 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605104359/http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/ulverston/water_mess_1_639756?referrerPath=news%2F |archive-date=5 June 2011 }}</ref>

In [[Workington]], the Northside Bridge over the [[River Derwent, Cumbria|River Derwent]] collapsed. The bridge carried the [[A roads in Zone 5 of the Great Britain numbering scheme#Three-digit roads|A597]] and its collapse cut off gas supplies to the town. [[Barker Crossing|Bill Barker]], a police constable, died in the bridge collapse,<ref name=BBC8369934/> following a called-off [[lifeboat (rescue)|lifeboat]] search.<ref name="Sky Barker"/> The replacement for Northside Bridge has been finished in 2015.<ref name=Newnorthside>[http://www.balfourbeatty.com/bby/media/inthenews/2010-05-27a/2010-05-27a.pdf ''New Civil Engineer'', 25 May 2010 p11.] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707205905/http://www.balfourbeatty.com/bby/media/inthenews/2010-05-27a/2010-05-27a.pdf |date=7 July 2011 }}</ref>

The Southwaite Footbridge on the trackbed of the dismantled [[Cockermouth and Workington Railway]] collapsed.<ref name=BBC8369934/>

The bridge over the [[River Cocker, Cumbria|River Cocker]] in [[Low Lorton]] was also destroyed. Its replacement opened on Monday 31 January.

On [[Windermere]] in the [[Lake District]] approximately 20 boats sank due to the floods. The boats were all moored to a fixed pier, and could not rise with the rising water.<ref name=WG4753119>{{cite web|url=http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/4753119.Cummbria_flooding__Boats_sunk_on_Windermere/ |title=Cumbria flooding: Boats sunk on Windermere |work=The Westmorland Gazette|access-date=21 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091124110820/http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/4753119.Cummbria_flooding__Boats_sunk_on_Windermere/ |archive-date=24 November 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Also in Workington, Calva Bridge was reported on 22 November to have dropped by about {{convert|300|mm|ft|0}}. Police warned that it could collapse too.<ref name=Calva>{{cite web|url=http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20091122/tuk-urgent-checks-on-cumbria-s-1-800-bri-45dbed5.html |title=Urgent Checks on Cumbria's 1,800 Bridges |publisher=Sky News |access-date=22 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091124072348/http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20091122/tuk-urgent-checks-on-cumbria-s-1-800-bri-45dbed5.html |archive-date=24 November 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The bridge was later condemned, leaving residents in Northside a {{convert|40|mi|km}} journey to get into Workington.<ref name=BBC8373577>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8373577.stm |title=Cumbria flood areas face school and road closures |work=BBC News Online |access-date=23 November 2009 | date=23 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091124142957/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8373577.stm| archive-date= 24 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> Calva bridge had been built in 1841 by Thomas Milton. It was designed by Thomas Nelson. The bridge is a [[listed building|Grade II listed building]].<ref name=Listed>{{NHLE|num=1327212 |desc=WORKINGTON BRIDGE, NORTHSIDE ROAD (south off), WORKINGTON, ALLERDALE, CUMBRIA |access-date=23 November 2009}}</ref> Although badly damaged, it was decided that the bridge could be repaired, as work carried out in 2005 to waterproof the deck had strengthened the bridge too. The contract for the repair work was awarded jointly to [[Balfour Beatty]] and [[Mouchel]]. Engineers warned that there was a 50% chance that the bridge could collapse during repairs. Two-thirds of the central pier's foundations had been washed away during the flood.<ref name=Repair>[http://www.balfourbeatty.com/bby/media/inthenews/2010-05-27a/2010-05-27a.pdf ''New Civil Engineer'', 27 May 2010 p10] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707205905/http://www.balfourbeatty.com/bby/media/inthenews/2010-05-27a/2010-05-27a.pdf |date=7 July 2011 }}</ref>

The Dock Bridge, which carries the railway line linking Workington Docks and the steelworks, was badly damaged. Photographs show that at least one of the concrete [[Trestle support|trestles]] has been washed away, dislodging the rails on the bridge.<ref name=Solway>{{cite web |url=http://solwayshipping.webs.com/2009floods.htm |title=Scenes around the River Derwent in November 2009 |publisher=Solway Shipping |access-date=22 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110827142949/http://solwayshipping.webs.com/2009floods.htm |archive-date=27 August 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Newlands Beck Bridge, [[Braithwaite]], near Keswick, collapsed, as did [[Camerton, Cumbria|Camerton]] footbridge near Workington.<ref name=Timesandstar211109>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesandstar.co.uk/met_office_warns_of_more_heavy_rain_across_cumbria_1_638432?referrerPath=home |title=More heavy rain due today in Cumbria |work=Times and Star|access-date=21 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929055730/http://www.timesandstar.co.uk/met_office_warns_of_more_heavy_rain_across_cumbria_1_638432?referrerPath=home |archive-date=29 September 2011 }}</ref><ref name=Cumbria221109>{{cite web|url=http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/news/2009/november/22_11_2009-003158.asp |title=22/11/2009 – Update on Calva Bridge, Workington |publisher=Cumbria County Council |access-date=22 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091125075143/http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/news/2009/november/22_11_2009-003158.asp| archive-date= 25 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> A [[suspension bridge|suspension footbridge]] over the [[River Eamont]] at [[Dalemain]] also collapsed.<ref name=Cumbria221109/>

The Whitesands area of [[Dumfries]] was affected by flooding when the [[River Nith]] burst its banks. Five people were rescued by firefighters, and another two were rescued by boat from a stranded car.<ref name=BBC8369752>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/south_of_scotland/8369752.stm |title=Flooding follows wettest November day on record |work=BBC News Online |access-date=20 November 2009 | date=20 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091123102000/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/south_of_scotland/8369752.stm| archive-date= 23 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> In the [[Scottish Borders]] several homes were flooded in [[Ettrick, Scotland|Ettrick]] and [[Yarrow, Scottish Borders|Yarrow]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hawick-news.co.uk/latest-scottish-news/Sandbags-distributed-to-flood-areas.5845102.jp |title=Hawick News: ''Sandbags Distributed to Flood Areas'' |access-date=20 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240524201546/https://www.webcitation.org/5mqhc8L2m?url=http://www.hawick-news.co.uk/latest-scottish-news/Sandbags-distributed-to-flood-areas.5845102.jp |archive-date=24 May 2024}}</ref>

In [[Wales]], a woman was reported missing in [[Brecon]] on 21 November, having apparently fallen into the [[River Usk]] after crossing a bridge that had a {{convert|1.83|m|ft|0}} gap in the railings. [[Dyfed-Powys Police]] and [[Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service]] started a search which was called off overnight. It was resumed the next morning.<ref name=BBC8372834>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8372834.stm |title=Search for woman missing in river Usk in Powys |work=BBC News Online |access-date=24 November 2009 | date=22 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091124160552/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8372834.stm| archive-date= 24 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> A body was recovered from the River Usk at [[Talybont-on-Usk]] on 24 November.<ref name=BBC8376245>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8376245.stm |title=Woman's body found in river |work=BBC News Online |access-date=24 November 2009 | date=24 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091127043457/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8376245.stm| archive-date= 27 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> At [[Newtown, Powys]], the body of a pensioner was found on the banks of the [[River Severn]] on 23 November. She had been reported missing on 21 November.<ref name=BBC8376867>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/mid/8376867.stm |title=Woman found dead in River Severn |work=BBC News Online |access-date=24 November 2009 | date=24 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091126065426/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/mid/8376867.stm| archive-date= 26 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

In Shropshire flood defences were deployed along the Severn Valley and some minor roads were closed due to flooding.{{Citation needed|date=July 2019}}

====Isle of Man====

On the [[Isle of Man]], there were power cuts in [[Ballaragh]] and [[Laxey]] but [[Manx Electricity]] restored power to all affected properties by the afternoon.<ref name=BBC8369886>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/isle_of_man/8369886.stm |title=Isle of Man ferry service resumes |work=BBC News Online |access-date=21 November 2009 | date=20 November 2009}}</ref>

====Ireland====

In the [[Republic of Ireland]]; a family of five were winched to safety by helicopter in [[County Galway]], and damage was caused to the ''Lake Hotel'' at [[Killarney]] in [[County Kerry]]. About 40 families at [[Ballinasloe]] in County Galway had to be evacuated by boat after the [[River Suck]] burst its banks. The centre of [[Cork (city)|Cork]] was flooded by the [[River Lee (Ireland)|River Lee]] to a depth of {{convert|1|m|ftin}},<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hBuu_knbJQeeXPRyu9HkW9ZZNlCwD9C3CSRG1 |title=Associated Press: ''Floods Devastate UK Lake District; Much of Ireland'' |access-date=20 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091124082323/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hBuu_knbJQeeXPRyu9HkW9ZZNlCwD9C3CSRG1 |archive-date=24 November 2009}}</ref> and the nearby towns of [[Bandon, County Cork|Bandon]], [[Clonakilty]], [[Dunmanway]] and [[Skibbereen]] were inaccessible. [[University College Cork]] sustained widespread damage, prompting it to cancel all lectures for at least one week.<ref name="breakingnewscivic"/><ref name="University lectures suspended as floods hit UCC">{{cite web|url=http://breakingnews.iol.ie/news/ireland/university-lectures-suspended-as-floods-hit-ucc-435103.html|title=University lectures suspended as floods hit UCC|date=20 November 2009|access-date=20 November 2009|publisher=Ireland Online|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091123065748/http://breakingnews.iol.ie/news/ireland/university-lectures-suspended-as-floods-hit-ucc-435103.html|archive-date=23 November 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Thousands of homes across the country were left with boiled-water notices, and over 40,000 homes were left without any water supply. In Cork City, over 18,000 homes on the city's north and inner south-sides were left without water for up to ten days. This was as a result of flood damage to the city's water treatment plant.<ref name="breakingnewscivic"/><ref name=Sky211109/> The [[Irish Army]] was deployed to deal with rising floodwaters at [[Ennis]], [[County Clare]], [[Athlone]], [[County Westmeath]] and [[Clonmel]], [[County Tipperary]].<ref name="Ireland">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Ireland-faces-massive-clean-up-bill-for-worst-flooding-in-living-memory-70612252.html|title=Irish Central: ''Ireland Faces Massive Clean-up Bill for Worst Flooding in Living Memory''|date=20 November 2009 |access-date=20 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091123223810/http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Ireland-faces-massive-clean-up-bill-for-worst-flooding-in-living-memory-70612252.html| archive-date= 23 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> Electricity supplies were cut off in Bandon, Cork and east County Galway.<ref name="ESB cuts off power supply in some flood areas">{{cite web|url=http://breakingnews.iol.ie/news/ireland/esb-cuts-off-power-supply-in-some-flood-areas-435150.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130108050606/http://breakingnews.iol.ie/news/ireland/esb-cuts-off-power-supply-in-some-flood-areas-435150.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 January 2013|title=ESB cuts off power supply in some flood areas|date=20 November 2009|access-date=20 November 2009|publisher=Ireland Online}}</ref> The house of one old lady in [[Athlone]] was even reported to have been the victim of flooding.<ref name="Families trapped by flooding and more storms on the way"/> A lorry driver had to be lifted from his vehicle in [[County Roscommon]] after it became struck in water beneath a bridge.<ref name="Families trapped by flooding and more storms on the way">{{cite news|author=Colin Gleeson |url=http://www.independent.ie/national-news/families-trapped-by-flooding-and-more-storms-on-the-way-1947874.html |title=Families trapped by flooding and more storms on the way |date=19 November 2009 |access-date=22 November 2009 |newspaper=[[Irish Independent]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100124191657/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/families-trapped-by-flooding-and-more-storms-on-the-way-1947874.html |archive-date=24 January 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> Many homes and apartments in Athlones westbank were evacuated as the river levels of the [[River Shannon|Shannon]] rose.<ref name="Over 100 local homes evacuated due to record flooding">{{cite news|author=Adrian Cusack |url=https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2009/11/26/over-100-local-homes-evacuated-due-to-record-flooding/ |title=Over 100 local homes evacuated due to record flooding |date=26 November 2009 |access-date=26 November 2009 |newspaper=[[Westmeath Independent]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231024170437/https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2009/11/26/over-100-local-homes-evacuated-due-to-record-flooding/ |archive-date=24 October 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The floods affected a nationwide pre-planned strike action, with members of trade unions [[SIPTU]], [[Irish Municipal, Public and Civil Trade Union|IMPACT]] and the [[TEEU]] postponing the unrest it had scheduled for [[County Cork]], [[County Clare]] and [[County Galway]] on 24 November so that they could assist with giving as much relief as possible.<ref name="Unions defer strike action to assist clean-up">{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1122/weather.html|title=Unions defer strike action to assist clean-up|date=22 November 2009|access-date=22 November 2009|publisher=[[RTÉ]]| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091125110518/http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1122/weather.html| archive-date= 25 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

In [[Northern Ireland]], the low-lying areas around the [[River Bann]] in [[County Armagh]] as well as the [[Strabane District Council|Strabane]], [[Ards (borough)|Ards]], [[Cookstown District Council|Cookstown]], [[Lisburn City Council|Lisburn]] and [[Magherafelt District Council|Magherafelt]] districts were affected by flooding.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/weather/severe-flooding-in-northern-ireland-14570148.html |title=Belfast Telegraph: ''Severe Flooding in Northern Ireland'' |access-date=20 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091121170633/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/weather/severe-flooding-in-northern-ireland-14570148.html |archive-date=21 November 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[County Fermanagh]] sustained the worst levels of flooding, with water levels on [[Lough Erne]] at their highest since first being recorded in 1956, owing to 35 consecutive days of rain. The floods affected many areas close to the shore of the lough including [[Lisnaskea]] and the [[county town]], [[Enniskillen]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/fermanagh-suffers-worst-ever-flooding-14571051.html |title=Belfast Telegraph: ''Fermanagh suffers worst ever flooding'' |access-date=24 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091124034326/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/fermanagh-suffers-worst-ever-flooding-14571051.html |archive-date=24 November 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/foyle_and_west/8375875.stm|title=Foyle and West: ''Lough Erne water at record level during floods''|access-date=24 November 2009 | work=BBC News | date=24 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091127042557/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/foyle_and_west/8375875.stm| archive-date= 27 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

===25–29 November===
The plight of [[Athlone]], [[County Westmeath]] came to light at this time when water levels at the town's lock reached around 50 centimetres above the previous record water level, six of these centimetres occurring during one night.<ref name="Red Cross seeks donations for flood victims"/> Farms and housing estates were isolated, with the west side experiencing some of the worst flooding and a school being forced to close for several days.<ref name="Red Cross seeks donations for flood victims"/> Some residents were cautiously evacuated from Limerick's [[Ardnacrusha (village)|Ardnacrusha]] district and eight homes were evacuated in [[Clonlara]], [[County Clare]].<ref name="Red Cross seeks donations for flood victims"/> Farmland between [[Ballina, County Mayo|Ballina]] and [[Foxford]] in [[County Mayo]] was flooded.<ref name="Red Cross seeks donations for flood victims"/> [[Waterways Ireland]] claimed on 25 November that the water level of the [[River Shannon]] (Ireland's largest river) had become "unmanageable", with 33 per cent of the usual annual rain dropping in November alone.<ref name="Red Cross seeks donations for flood victims">{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1125/weather.html|title=Red Cross seeks donations for flood victims|date=25 November 2009|access-date=27 November 2009|publisher=[[RTÉ]]| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091128000836/http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1125/weather.html| archive-date= 28 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

The water level of [[Lough Derg (Shannon)|Lough Derg]] had broken all previous records by 26 November.<ref name="No major changes in midwest flooding">{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1126/weather.html|title=No major changes in midwest flooding|date=26 November 2009|access-date=27 November 2009|publisher=[[RTÉ]]| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091129005236/http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1126/weather.html| archive-date= 29 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> This caused the purposeful release of more water downstream which subsequently flooded these areas by around 10 more centimetres of water.<ref name="No major changes in midwest flooding"/> Further evacuations took place in County Clare and the city of Limerick.<ref name="No major changes in midwest flooding"/> The [[Irish Army]] continued to patrol [[Ennis]].<ref name="No major changes in midwest flooding"/> Waters continued to rise in County Galway as well at this time.<ref name="No major changes in midwest flooding"/>

On 28–29 November torrential downpours and heavy winds spread across [[Devon]] and [[Cornwall]], causing flooding and damage. Four people were rescued by firefighters from cars across Devon. Street-water levels reached {{convert|4|ft}} near [[Exeter]] and {{convert|3|ft}} near [[Sparkwell]]. Properties were flooded across the City of [[Plymouth]] and [[Ivybridge]]. Winds brought down an electricity pole in [[Millbrook, Cornwall]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/8384916.stm|title=People rescued as floods strike|date=29 November 2009|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=29 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091130093131/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/8384916.stm| archive-date= 30 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

Ireland's flooding shifted to the east of the country on 29 November.<ref name="Flooding prompt evacuations in Kildare"/> [[Dublin]]'s [[River Liffey]] burst its banks on 29 November, flooding several areas.<ref name="Flood alerts issued in Kildare & Dublin">{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1129/weather.html|title=Flood alerts issued in Kildare & Dublin|date=29 November 2009|access-date=29 November 2009|publisher=[[RTÉ]]| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091130162355/http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1129/weather.html| archive-date= 30 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> Towns in [[County Kildare]] which were near the Liffey, were damaged by floods, including [[Ballymore Eustace]], [[Kilcullen]], [[Newbridge, County Kildare|Newbridge]], [[Clane]], [[Celbridge]], [[Naas]] and [[Leixlip]].<ref name="Flooding prompt evacuations in Kildare">{{cite news|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-30436274.html|title=Flooding prompt evacuations in Kildare|date=29 November 2009|access-date=29 November 2009|newspaper=[[Irish Examiner]]}}</ref> A Clane nursing home was evacuated.<ref name="Flooding prompt evacuations in Kildare"/>

Courts scheduled for Cork and [[Skibbereen]] were adjourned for several days due to flooded courthouses.<ref name="Cork court moved to hotel by floods"/> Circuit court cases scheduled for Cork were moved to a hotel and High Court cases were moved to [[Clonmel]].<ref name="Cork court moved to hotel by floods">{{cite news|url=http://www.sbpost.ie/news/ireland/cork-court-moved-to-hotel-by-floods-45874.html|title=Cork court moved to hotel by floods|date=29 November 2009|access-date=29 November 2009|newspaper=[[The Sunday Business Post]]}}</ref>

===30 November – 4 December===
On 30 November, firefighters had to pump water from one estate in [[Sallins]] from which 104 families were subjected to an emergency evacuation.<ref name="Water pumping begins in Sallins estate">{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1204/weather.html|title=Water pumping begins in Sallins estate|date=30 November 2009|access-date=4 December 2009|publisher=[[RTÉ]]| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091206105232/http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1204/weather.html| archive-date= 6 December 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> The River Liffey was still impassable at [[Strawberry Beds]].<ref name="Water pumping begins in Sallins estate"/>

On 1 December, there was more torrential rain in the west, with drinking water supplies to 6,000 buildings in Galway reported to have been contaminated by human faeces and water undrinkable in more than 500 homes in Clare and Limerick.<ref name="6,000 Galway homes without water">{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1201/weather.html|title=6,000 Galway homes without water|date=1 December 2009|access-date=4 December 2009|publisher=[[RTÉ]]| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091204122756/http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1201/weather.html| archive-date= 4 December 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

On 2 December, thousands of acres of Irish farmland remained underwater, floodwaters were still rising in some Galway villages and roads in Clare and Galway were still impassable.<ref name="Flooding eases in the west & midlands">{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1202/weather.html|title=Flooding eases in the west & midlands|date=2 December 2009|access-date=4 December 2009|publisher=[[RTÉ]]}}</ref>

==Transport disruption==

===13–14 November===
The [[Gloucester to Newport Line]] through Wales and England was closed at [[Chepstow]] after heavy rain caused a rockslide on 13 November.<ref name="independent 15th"/> Several roads across [[Cornwall]] were flooded under {{convert|60|cm}} of water.<ref name="independent 15th" /> The [[Tamar Bridge]] connecting [[Devon]] and Cornwall was closed to bicycles, motorbikes and high-sided vehicles.<ref name="independent 15th" /> Ferries between England and France were cancelled during the storm and the [[Port of Dover]] was closed during part of 14 November.<ref name="independent 15th" />

===18–23 November===
Services on the [[West Coast Main Line]] were temporarily suspended after a landslip between [[Carlisle railway station|Carlisle]] and [[Penrith railway station|Penrith]]. Services resumed by midday on 20 November.

Services between [[Glasgow Central railway station|Glasgow]] and [[Dunblane railway station|Dunblane]] were suspended. The West Coast Main Line was flooded between [[Carlisle railway station|Carlisle]] and [[Carstairs railway station|Carstairs]] and was closed as a result. Services were reduced between [[Edinburgh Waverley railway station|Edinburgh]] and [[Glasgow Queen Street railway station|Glasgow]] and also Edinburgh and Dunblane.<ref name=BBC8369799>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/south_of_scotland/8369799.stm |title=Rail services affected by heavy rain |work=BBC News Online |access-date=20 November 2009 | date=20 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091123211519/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/south_of_scotland/8369799.stm| archive-date= 23 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

The [[Cambrian Line]] was closed between [[Newtown, Powys]] and [[Machynlleth]] as a result of severe flooding on the [[River Dyfi]]. Replacement buses were provided by the service's operator, [[Arriva Trains Wales]].

In the [[Republic of Ireland]], [[Iarnród Éireann]] rail services were suspended between [[Galway railway station|Galway]] and [[Athlone railway station|Athlone]]; [[Limerick railway station|Limerick]] and [[Ennis railway station|Ennis]]; [[Carrick on Shannon railway station|Carrick-on-Shannon]] and [[Longford railway station|Longford]]; [[Dublin Connolly railway station|Dublin]] and [[Maynooth railway station|Maynooth]]; and [[Wicklow railway station|Wicklow]] and [[Gorey railway station|Gorey]].<ref name="Ireland"/>

On 18 November, the [[Isle of Man Steam Packet Company]] cancelled the morning ferry service from [[Douglas, Isle of Man|Douglas]] to [[Heysham]] and consequently the return service was also cancelled. The first service from Heysham was cancelled on 19 November. Services resumed with the 08:45 sailing from Douglas to Heysham.<ref name=BBC8369886/>

In [[Kent]], ferry services from [[Dover]] were affected by strong winds on 18 November. Services operated by [[LD Lines]], [[Norfolkline]], [[P&O Ferries]] and [[Seafrance]] were subject to delay. [[Kent Police]] implemented phase one of [[Operation Stack]], using the [[M20 motorway|M20]] to park lorries on until they could be accommodated on a ferry.<ref name=BBC8367136>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/8367136.stm |title=Strong winds prompt lorry parking |work=BBC News Online |access-date=22 November 2009 | date=18 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091121134858/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/8367136.stm| archive-date= 21 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

On 21 November, [[Irish Ferries]] cancelled all sailings due to have been performed by [[HSC Jonathan Swift|HSC ''Jonathan Swift'']] on the Dublin – [[Holyhead]] route. Passengers were accommodated on {{MV|Ulysses}}.<ref name=BBC8369776>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8369776.stm |title=Warning over rising river levels |work=BBC News Online |access-date=22 November 2009 | date=20 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091123091914/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8369776.stm| archive-date= 23 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

In [[Workington]], the collapse of Northside Bridge carrying the [[A597 road (Great Britain)|A597 road]] and the condemnation of Calva Bridge carrying the [[A596]] resulted in a {{convert|40|mi|km}} journey from Northside to the town centre.<ref name=BBC8373577/> [[Network Rail]] constructed a temporary railway station, [[Workington North railway station|Workington North]], to help Northside residents get into and out of town.<ref>[http://www.planningresource.co.uk/news/login/1008766/] Planning Resource</ref> The [[Royal Engineers]] from 170 (Infrastructure Support) and 3 Armoured Engineer Squadron are to install a temporary footbridge upstream of Calva Bridge, scheduled to open on 5 December 2009.<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/8381395.stm | title=Motorists cross flood-hit bridge | access-date=26 November 2009 | date=26 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091129033528/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/8381395.stm| archive-date= 29 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

In [[County Fermanagh]], high water levels on [[Lough Erne]] resulted in the closure of most bridges that link the east and west sides of the county. Diverted traffic was thus forced to pass through the [[county town]] of [[Enniskillen]], itself sited on an island in the lough, causing major delays. Away from the lough, the town of [[Lisnaskea]] as well as the villages of [[Derrylin]] and [[Boho, County Fermanagh|Boho]] also saw severe flooding, resulting in several road closures.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/foyle_and_west/8375867.stm|title=Flood waters pose 'grave danger'|publisher=BBC News Online:Northern Ireland |access-date=24 November 2009 | date=24 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091128014416/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/foyle_and_west/8375867.stm| archive-date= 28 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

===24–29 November===
25 November saw fierce winds rattle [[Dublin Airport]] leading to the diversion of ten [[Aer Lingus]], [[Delta Air Lines]], [[Etihad Airways]] and [[Ryanair]] aircraft—seven aircraft to [[Shannon Airport]] and three aircraft to [[Manchester Airport]].<ref name="Dublin airport hit by strong winds">{{cite news|author=Éanna Ó Caollaí|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/1125/breaking42.htm|title=Dublin airport hit by strong winds|date=25 November 2009|access-date=27 November 2009|newspaper=[[The Irish Times]]}}</ref> Some of the affected aircraft were transatlantic flights from destinations such as Chicago and New York.<ref name="Flights diverted because of stormy weather">{{cite news|author=Fergus Black |url=http://www.independent.ie/national-news/flights-diverted-because-of--stormy-weather-1953689.html |title=Flights diverted because of stormy weather |date=26 November 2009 |access-date=27 November 2009 |newspaper=[[Irish Independent]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100131111349/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/flights-diverted-because-of--stormy-weather-1953689.html |archive-date=31 January 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Sports disruption ==
All horse races scheduled for [[Naas]] racecourse on 25 November were cancelled because of waterlogging.<ref name="Naas off - Thurles inspection">{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/racing/2009/1125/naas.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130111161332/http://www.rte.ie/sport/racing/2009/1125/naas.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 January 2013 |title=Naas off – Thurles inspection |date=25 November 2009 |access-date=27 November 2009 |publisher=[[RTÉ]] }}</ref> A horse race scheduled for 28 November at [[Wexford]] was cancelled four days earlier as the course was waterlogged.<ref name="Naas inspects but Wexford cancelled">{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/racing/2009/1124/naas_wexford.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130107193532/http://www.rte.ie/sport/racing/2009/1124/naas_wexford.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 January 2013 |title=Naas inspects but Wexford cancelled |date=24 November 2009 |access-date=24 November 2009 |publisher=[[RTÉ]] }}</ref> The Naas and Wexford events were rescheduled for 3 and 7 December respectively.<ref name="Naas & Wexford cards rescheduled">{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/racing/2009/1125/naas_wexford.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130108051658/http://www.rte.ie/sport/racing/2009/1125/naas_wexford.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 January 2013 |title=Naas & Wexford cards rescheduled |date=25 November 2009 |access-date=25 November 2009 |publisher=[[RTÉ]] }}</ref>

==Reaction==
{{blockquote|My thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected and whose homes and livelihoods have been damaged.|Queen Elizabeth II<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royal.gov.uk/LatestNewsandDiary/Pressreleases/2009/TheQueensmessagefollowingtherecentfloodingacrossBr.aspx |title=The Queen's message following the recent flooding across Britain |publisher=[[Buckingham Palace]] |access-date=21 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091126031327/http://www.royal.gov.uk/LatestNewsandDiary/Pressreleases/2009/TheQueensmessagefollowingtherecentfloodingacrossBr.aspx| archive-date= 26 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>}}

{{blockquote|What you've done in the last few days is tackle one of the greatest rainfalls we've seen in our country and you've done it with such superb organisation.|Gordon Brown, British Prime Minister<ref name=BBC8371961 />}}

{{blockquote|We have been told this is a once-in-800-years event.|John Gormley, Minister for the Environment of Ireland.<ref name="Ireland Battles Worst Floods in Decades">{{cite web|author=Alison Chung |url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Flooding-In-Ireland-Troops-Drafted-In-To-Help-Emergency-Services-Deal-With-Crisis/Article/200911315460612?lpos=World_News_First_World_News_Article_Teaser_Region_4&lid=ARTICLE_15460612_Flooding_In_Ireland%3A_Troops_Drafted_In_To_Help_Emergency_Services_Deal_With_Crisis |title=Ireland Battles Worst Floods in Decades |publisher=Sky News |access-date=21 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100130085213/http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Flooding-In-Ireland-Troops-Drafted-In-To-Help-Emergency-Services-Deal-With-Crisis/Article/200911315460612?lpos=World_News_First_World_News_Article_Teaser_Region_4&lid=ARTICLE_15460612_Flooding_In_Ireland%3A_Troops_Drafted_In_To_Help_Emergency_Services_Deal_With_Crisis |archive-date=30 January 2010 }}</ref> }}

On 21 November, British Prime Minister [[Gordon Brown]] visited Cumbria Police headquarters, near Penrith, to meet members of the emergency services before travelling to Cockermouth where he met people who had been evacuated from their homes. He pledged an additional £1,000,000 would be made available in aid for the affected areas when it was noted that the damages could well run into £50&nbsp;million to £100&nbsp;million mark.<ref name=BBC8371961>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8371961.stm |title=Prime minister Brown meets Cumbria flood victims |work=BBC News Online |access-date=21 November 2009 | date=21 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091122194103/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8371961.stm| archive-date= 22 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> During his visit, Gordon Brown ordered checks to be made on all 1,800 bridges in Cumbria. It was feared that Calva Bridge in Workington would also collapse. Bridge inspections will be carried out by the [[Highways Agency]] and the [[Department for Transport]].<ref name=BBC8372775>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8372775.stm |title=Safety tests on bridges in Cumbria begin after flood |work=BBC News Online |access-date=22 November 2009 | date=22 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091123000452/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8372775.stm| archive-date= 23 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

[[Workington (UK Parliament constituency)|Cockermouth]] [[Member of Parliament|MP]] [[Tony Cunningham]] said that the buildings in Cockermouth may be broken, but the people were not. Following the death of the police officer, [[Cumbria Constabulary]] stated that over 10,000 people had signed a tribute on its Facebook page.<ref name=BBC8371961/> [[Elizabeth II|The Queen]] praised emergency workers for the support they had provided.<ref name=BBC8371628>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/8371628.stm |title=Flood waters force 500 from homes |work=BBC News Online |access-date=21 November 2009 | date=21 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091123110658/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/8371628.stm| archive-date= 23 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> The [[Association of British Insurers|ABI]] stated that the cost of the floods in [[Cumbria]] and [[Scotland]] could exceed £100,000,000.<ref name=BBC8373038>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8373038.stm |title=Floods claims in Cumbria and Scotland could top £100m |work=BBC News Online |access-date=23 November 2009 | date=22 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091123211734/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8373038.stm| archive-date= 23 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

In Republic of Ireland, the [[Taoiseach]] [[Brian Cowen]] stated that the Government's priority was the provision of shelter and safe drinking water for those affected by the flooding.<ref name=Sky211109>{{cite web|url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Flooding-In-Ireland-Troops-Drafted-In-To-Help-Emergency-Services-Deal-With-Crisis/Article/200911315460612?lpos=World_News_Article_Related_Content_Region_2&lid=ARTICLE_15460612_Flooding_In_Ireland%3A_Troops_Drafted_In_To_Help_Emergency_Services_Deal_With_Crisis |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104153500/http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Flooding-In-Ireland-Troops-Drafted-In-To-Help-Emergency-Services-Deal-With-Crisis/Article/200911315460612?lpos=World_News_Article_Related_Content_Region_2&lid=ARTICLE_15460612_Flooding_In_Ireland:_Troops_Drafted_In_To_Help_Emergency_Services_Deal_With_Crisis |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 January 2013 |title=Ireland Battles Worst Floods in Decades |publisher=Sky News |access-date=21 November 2009 }}</ref> He chaired two sessions of the [[Emergency Response Co-Ordination Committee]] on the weekend following the outbreak of the floods.<ref name="Irish flood 'worst for 800 years'">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8373681.stm|title=Irish flood 'worst for 800 years'|date=23 November 2009|access-date=27 November 2009|publisher=[[BBC]]| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091126163805/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8373681.stm| archive-date= 26 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

Brian Cowen embarked on the first of his visits to Ireland's flood-affected areas on 23 November when he visited [[Clonmel]], [[Cork (city)|Cork]], [[Ennis]] and [[Ballinasloe]].<ref name="Cowen visits flood areas as further rainfall predicted">{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/1123/breaking4.html?via=mr|title=Cowen visits flood areas as further rainfall predicted|date=23 November 2009|access-date=27 November 2009|newspaper=[[The Irish Times]]}}</ref> The Taoiseach, taking a further half-day trip around Galway, Offaly, Roscommon and Westmeath to inspect flood-affected regions on 26 November, was confronted by the angry residents of [[Athlone]] who said he was using their plight as a "publicity stunt".<ref name="Cowen confronted by residents during visit"/> Cowen refused to visit some of the most badly flooded areas of Athlone despite being offered a pair of waders and even a rowing boat.<ref name="Cowen confronted by residents during visit"/>
{{blockquote|I have the waders in my hand. We had a boat there ready for him. And he goes to a house there with just puddles.|Athlone resident expressing her disgust at [[Brian Cowen]]<ref name="Cowen confronted by residents during visit">{{cite news|author=Harry McGee|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/1127/1224259546631.html?via=rel|title=Cowen confronted by residents during visit|date=27 November 2009|access-date=27 November 2009|newspaper=[[The Irish Times]]}}</ref>}}

On 27 November, the Prince of Wales (now [[Charles III]]) visited the areas of Cumbria affected by the flooding, where he expressed "nothing but the greatest possible sympathy" for the victims of the flooding.<ref name="guardian chrles visit">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2009/nov/27/prince-charles-visits-cumbria-floods|title=Prince Charles to visit flood hit Cumbria|last=Wainwright|first=Martin|date=27 November 2009|publisher=Guardian News and Media|access-date=27 November 2009|location=London| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091130172114/http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/nov/27/prince-charles-visits-cumbria-floods| archive-date= 30 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="PA charles visit">{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5hwQXp1aKPY1o8TB6FDmC52i7zY9w|title=Charles praises flood hit county|date=27 November 2009|publisher=United Kingdom Press Association|access-date=27 November 2009|location=London}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

On 21 December, [[President of Ireland|President]] [[Mary McAleese]] embarked on a two-day visit of flooded areas, praising the "utterly selfless" acts of those who were assisting.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1221/weather1.html|title=Response to Cork floods selfless – McAleese|date=21 December 2009|access-date=10 December 2010|publisher=[[RTÉ]]}}</ref>

==Aftermath of UK floods ==
{{See also|2009 Workington floods}}
As a result of the loss of all road and footbridges in [[Workington]], it was announced that a new temporary railway station, [[Workington North railway station|Workington North]], would be built on waste land leased for two years from [[Allerdale|Allerdale Council]].<ref name=BBC8375623>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/8375623.stm |title=Cumbria poised for more flooding |work=BBC News Online |access-date=24 November 2009 | date=24 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091127073126/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/8375623.stm| archive-date= 27 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> The station opened on 30 November with services provided by [[Northern Rail]].<ref name=NR>{{cite web|url=http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/content/detail.aspx?ReleaseID=4831&NewsAreaID=2&SearchCategoryID=5 |title=NETWORK RAIL TO BUILD NEW TEMPORARY STATION TO HELP WORKINGTON FLOOD VICTIMS |publisher=Network Rail |access-date=24 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929042128/http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/content/detail.aspx?ReleaseID=4831&NewsAreaID=2&SearchCategoryID=5 |archive-date=29 September 2011 }}</ref><ref name="BBC8385635">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/8385635.stm|title=Workington gets new rail station after Cumbria flood|work=BBC News Online|date=30 November 2009|access-date=7 December 2009|first=Colette|last=Hume| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091202083151/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/8385635.stm| archive-date= 2 December 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> and remained open for a year.

Construction work began in late November on [[Barker Crossing]], a temporary footbridge, constructed by the [[British Army]]'s [[Royal Engineers|Corps of Royal Engineers]] involving over two hundred soldiers. The bridge was expected to take ten days to complete. It was constructed to provide a link across the [[River Derwent, Cumbria|River Derwent]] after the Northside Bridge collapsed and the Calva Bridge was condemned.<ref name=BBC8375580>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8375580.stm |title=Cumbria on fresh flood alert as heavy rain returns |work=BBC News Online |access-date=24 November 2009 | date=25 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091125185804/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8375580.stm| archive-date= 25 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> The replacement bridge is {{convert|52|m|ft}} long, and weighs about {{convert|110|t|LT|0}}. It was prefabricated at Halton Camp, near [[Halton-with-Aughton]] and was erected on-site in early December.<ref name=BBC8384180>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/8384180.stm |title=Bridge for flooded town under way |work=BBC News Online |access-date=28 November 2009 | date=28 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091201070803/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/8384180.stm| archive-date= 1 December 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> The bridge was opened to pedestrians on 7 December 2009.<ref name=BBC8398538>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/8398538.stm |title=Flooded Workington united by new army-built bridge |work=BBC News Online |access-date=7 December 2009 | date=7 December 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091213063919/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/8398538.stm| archive-date= 13 December 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

On 26 November, three vehicles were observed driving over the closed Calva Bridge, Workington. The bridge had been closed by the use of temporary barriers. As a result of the incident, more substantial barriers were installed to prevent vehicles accessing the bridge.<ref name=BBC8381395>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/8381395.stm |title=Motorists cross flood-hit bridge |work=BBC News Online |access-date=26 November 2009 | date=26 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091129033528/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/8381395.stm| archive-date= 29 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

Hundreds of mourners attended the funeral of [[Constable#United Kingdom and Commonwealth|PC]] Bill Barker in [[Egremont, Cumbria|Egremont]] on 27 November 2009. Barker died after the collapse of a bridge in Workington.<ref name="bbc funeral">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/8382259.stm |title=Funeral for Cumbria floods police officer |date=27 November 2009|publisher=BBC|access-date=27 November 2009|location=London| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091130054524/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/8382259.stm| archive-date= 30 November 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

In December 2009, [[Tesco]] built a new temporary store in north Workington. People living in that part of town were finding it difficult to access the main store, which lies south of the River Derwent.<ref name=BBC8412000>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/cumbria/hi/people_and_places/newsid_8412000/8412668.stm |title=New Tesco store opens in Workington |work=BBC News Online |access-date=19 December 2009 | date=14 December 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100122222529/http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/cumbria/hi/people_and_places/newsid_8412000/8412668.stm| archive-date= 22 January 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref>

On 22 October 2012, [[Princess Anne]] opened the new permanent road bridge on the site of the original Northside Bridge almost three years after its collapse. There had been calls to name the new bridge after PC Bill Barker however after the Town Council ran a local poll it was discovered that the residents would rather have it reverted to the old bridge's name, ''Northside Bridge''. The final decision was then taken to PC Barker's widow who let the people of Workington decide.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/new-workington-road-bridge-will-keep-old-name-1.930471 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131023125433/http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/new-workington-road-bridge-will-keep-old-name-1.930471 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-10-23 |title=New Workington road bridge will keep old name |publisher=News & Star }}</ref>

== Relief effort in Ireland ==
An initial emergency relief fund of €10 million plus an extra €2 million especially for farmers was announced by the Irish government on the afternoon of 24 November.<ref name="€12m flood relief fund unveiled">{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/1124/breaking9.htm|title=€12m flood relief fund unveiled|date=24 November 2009|access-date=27 November 2009|newspaper=[[The Irish Times]]}}</ref> In Ireland's [[Irish budget, 2010|Budget 2010]], delivered by [[Minister for Finance (Ireland)|Minister for Finance]] [[Brian Lenihan Jnr|Brian Lenihan]] on 9 December 2009, a further minimum amount of at least €70 million was put towards those affected by the floods and to the prevention of similar disasters in future.<ref name="Budget 2010 cuts €4bn in public spending">{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1209/budget2010_main.html |title=Budget 2010 cuts €4bn in public spending |date=9 December 2009 |access-date=11 December 2009 |publisher=[[RTÉ]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091214132216/http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1209/budget2010_main.html |archive-date=14 December 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The [[Irish Red Cross]] stated that it expected to raise €1 million for survivors of the flooding and that it was starting to take applications for assistance from them on 12 December 2009.<ref name="IRC accepts flood assistance requests">{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1212/weather.html|title=IRC accepts flood assistance requests|date=12 December 2009|access-date=12 December 2009|publisher=[[RTÉ]]| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091214171722/http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1212/weather.html| archive-date= 14 December 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="Red Cross accepts flood requests">{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/1212/breaking3.htm|title=Red Cross accepts flood requests|date=12 December 2009|access-date=12 December 2009|newspaper=[[The Irish Times]]}}</ref> The organisation announced it had reached this total on 10 January 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/0110/breaking9.htm|title=Red Cross raises €1million in flood appeal|date=10 January 2010|access-date=10 January 2010|newspaper=[[The Irish Times]]}}</ref> The [[Society of Saint Vincent de Paul]] had two warehouses in [[Galway]] to collect aid for survivors.<ref name="St Vincent de Paul open 'full to brim' warehouses for flood victims">{{cite news|url=http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/19674|title=St Vincent de Paul open 'full to brim' warehouses for flood victims|date=3 December 2009|access-date=18 December 2009|newspaper=[[Galway Advertiser]]}}</ref> The Cork Flood Appeal Benefit Night was one fund-raising event which was held on 15 December 2009.<ref name="CORK FLOOD APPEAL BENEFIT NIGHT">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hotpress.com/The%20Marvels/news/CORK-FLOOD-APPEAL-BENEFIT-NIGHT/6099471.html|title=Cork Flood Appeal Benefit Night|date=15 December 2009|access-date=18 December 2009|magazine=[[Hot Press]]| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091219184420/http://www.hotpress.com/The%20Marvels/news/CORK-FLOOD-APPEAL-BENEFIT-NIGHT/6099471.html| archive-date= 19 December 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> Home Athlone was another event held on 21 December 2009.<ref name="Gig to aid Athlone flood victims">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hotpress.com/Andrew%20Maxwell/news/Gig-to-aid-Athlone-flood-victims/6099639.html|title=Gig to aid Athlone flood victims|date=16 December 2009|access-date=18 December 2009|magazine=[[Hot Press]]}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[List of natural disasters in Britain and Ireland]]
*[[UK rainfall records]]
*[[February 2009 Great Britain and Ireland snowfall]]
*[[Climate of the United Kingdom]], [[Climate of Europe]]
*[[Effects of global warming]], [[Physical impacts of climate change]]
*[[Global storm activity of 2009]], [[Global storm activity of 2010]]
*[[Winter of 2009–2010 in Europe]]
*[[2009 Workington floods]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{wikinews|Severe flooding hits Cumbria, England}}
{{commons category|November 2009 Great Britain and Ireland floods}}
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iawOOq8pz0 Video of the Camerton Bridge collapsing (YouTube)]
*[http://www.met.ie/news/display.asp?ID=38 Article on the heavy rainfall on 19 November 2009] by [[Met Éireann]]
*[http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/1120/breaking26.htm A round-up of the counties most severely hit by the flooding]—''The Irish Times''
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20091124073101/http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1121/flooding_gallery.html Gallery: Flooding Images] at [[RTÉ]]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_2ZJ2gb73c Video of flooded Stock Ghyll waterfall in Ambleside (YouTube)]

{{Weather events in Ireland}}
{{Weather events in the United Kingdom}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:British Isles floods, 2009}}
[[Category:2009 floods in Europe]]
[[Category:2009 disasters in Ireland]]
[[Category:2009 in the Isle of Man]]
[[Category:2000s floods in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:2009 disasters in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:2009 meteorology]]
[[Category:Environment of the Isle of Man]]
[[Category:European windstorms|2009]]
[[Category:Floods in Ireland|2009]]
[[Category:Water in the Isle of Man]]
[[Category:November 2009 events in Europe]]
[[Category:December 2009 events in Europe]]
[[Category:November 2009 events in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:December 2009 events in the United Kingdom]]