The villages, both low-lying and poorly drained, have suffered from severe impacts during recent storms, including Storm Babet in 2023. They saw repeated surface water and foul sewer flooding, with drains and sewers still causing problems weeks after the storm. In response, NSFA partners including Norfolk County Council, Anglian Water and the Water Management Alliance (WMA) have worked together to improve the area's flood defences. In Hickling, the improvements have included the repairing and cleaning of culverts, the clearing of surface water drains, and works to prevent surface water from entering the River Thurne. Daniel Wray, NSFA water management director, said "The removal of surface water from the foul system will all help to keep the water flowing as it should."