Flood risk management in North Wales

Beach Road in Y Felinheli, North Wales, has been regularly hit by flooding, which is expected to increase due to climate change. Flood gates were installed in 2020 to protect homes and businesses. The lack of tide gauge data posed a challenge, so Decentlab's DL-PR26 sensor, which measures pressure / water column / level, and temperature, was installed.

Data was then obtained from the UK Coastal Monitoring and Forecasting Service’s tidal gauge at Holyhead. The objective of the study was to establish a relationship between the tide level at Y Felinheli and Holyhead so that the tide level forecast available for Holyhead could be used as a trigger for the closure of the tide gates. The study included statistical analyses such as delay time of tidal peaks, trends in tidal cycles, phases and tidal peaks, variability, surge, outliers, and past flood events.

This cost-effective solution includes community participation and provides savings opportunities. The method can be applied to other flood risk management programs.

Thanks to Gwynedd, YGC for the cooperation and and the pictures.