Joe, it's surprising how local these weather events can be in the UK. On the day in question, very severe weather warnings had been issued for Cumbria (the worst affected area) which is around 100 miles north of me, and for north west Wales (about 80 miles to the east). Round here, no problems were predicted, and there was just the occasional period of drizzle.
I don't live in a flood affected area, thank goodness. It must be heartbreaking to see your home or business destroyed.
Andy