Future Outlook
The 1953 storm surge flood could have been much worse if, like the 1928 event, it had coincided with a spring tide, combined with rapid snowmelt, and heavy rainfall. The 1953 storm surge raised the sea level in Britain by less than three metres. In December 1999 there was a North Sea storm surge that raised the sea level by more than five metres, causing severe damage in Denmark . The hazard is increasing due to climate change: according to the latest predictions by the UK Climate Impacts Programme, storm surge height could increase by up to 1.4m along the south-east coast by the 2080s.

The losses from such events would stretch the capacity and solvency of many insurers unless they do something to limit their exposure by shedding business in the most hazardous areas. Indeed they may ultimately be forced to do so by the regulatory authority.

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