UK ill-prepared for havoc future storms could wreak, scientists warn

Scientists say the response from government is too reactive and there needs to be regular checks of flood protections. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA

The UK is ill-prepared for the disaster future storms could wreak, scientists have warned, after Storm Ciarán swept the country.

Experts believe a warming atmosphere caused by emissions from burning fossil fuels will make storms more frequent and severe in the UK. This autumn, storms have caused thousands of homes in the UK to flood, and last week almost 150,000 households were left without power.