Flood expert backs tape over sandbags ahead of Storm Austen

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 13:03 · Archive

Flood campaigner Mary Long-Dhonau has urged people to use protective tape instead of sandbags as Storm Austen approaches.

Flood resilience campaigner Mary Long-Dhonau OBE has urged people to ditch sandbags for protective tape as Storm Austen approaches. She argues that people 'deserve better than sandbags' and has championed affordable alternatives including flood tapes and aluminium tape that can be kept ready at home in case of a flooding emergency.

Research from Flood Re and the University of Hull shows that low-cost tapes outperformed traditional sandbags at reducing water entering through a front door during simulated flooding. Mrs Long-Dhonau, now based in Ledbury, has direct experience of flooding, having lived in Waverley Street in Worcester.

Storm Austen is expected to bring disruptive wind and rain from late Thursday and into Friday, with the strongest winds forecast across southwest England and southern Wales. The Met Office has imposed a yellow wind warning for parts of southern England. Risks include travel disruption, power cuts and the chance of injuries from debris.

How it is being reported

• Flood campaigner's damning verdict on sandbags on eve of new stormMary Long-Dhonau OBE, known as Flood Mary, has argued for tape instead of sandbagsMalvern Gazette · 21 Oct, 10:17
• Flood campaigner's damning verdict on sandbags on eve of new stormMary Long-Dhonau OBE, known as Flood Mary, has argued for tape instead of sandbagsWorcester News · 21 Oct, 10:17

In this story: Mary Long-Dhonau OBE · Flood Re · University of Hull · Met Office · Worcestershire · Southwest England · Southern Wales

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