A Government-chaired taskforce will meet this week to assess how prepared the UK is for flooding this winter.
The group aims to strengthen the UK’s resilience to flooding and drought after record temperatures and widespread drought hit the country this summer and ahead of an expected wet winter.
It comes as the Met Office has warned of a “heightened potential” for wet, windy, stormy weather and flooding this autumn – and the Environment Agency has urged households to check their flood risk, sign up to alerts and make a flood plan to prepare for any emergencies.
Yorkshire was one of only two areas of England not in drought over the summer, however it was still hit with record temperatures.
There are fears that this will increase the chances of flooding, which could pile on more misery for farmers who are already facing a tough harvest.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy will host the taskforce’s first meeting on Wednesday and bring together the Met Office, Environment Agency and mayoral authorities as well as the farming, water and insurance industries.
Ms Hardy, the Hull West and Haltemprice MP, said: “We’re facing extreme weather, with flood and drought intertwined, but the Government is taking decisive action.
“We’re taking a smarter, more joined-up approach to manage the nation’s water and set up our new Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce.
“This will put communities and businesses at the heart of our work and will make sure the UK is ready for whatever the weather brings next.”
At least £10.5bn is committed up to 2036 to protect homes, businesses and critical infrastructure from the growing threat of flooding.
The Government also today announced a new one-stop shop for flood advice, as the EA committed to improve protection for 200,000 properties.
It will bring together information on the risk of flooding and flood warnings, while also providing easy access to Met Office weather alerts during an incident.
Ms Hardy added: “This government has ambitious targets and historic investment to support the country against severe weather.
“Our £4.2bn investment in new and existing flood defences will protect even more people over the coming years.
“We are continuing to step up our defences against the weather, and encourage everyone to check their flood risk, prepare a flood plan, and follow warnings to protect their home and family."
Caroline Douglass, executive director for floods at the EA, said: "Every year, flooding threatens communities across England, and as we deal with the changing climate, it's never been more important for people to understand what they can do to prepare.
“This Flood Action Week, our new flood website will make it easier than ever to access helpful guidance, while our ongoing investment and maintenance programme will ensure our flood defences continue to protect the areas that need them most.
“As we head into the winter, our teams are ready to respond around the clock, backed by hundreds of pumps and kilometres of temporary barriers, but we can all play our part in making a difference.”