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Flood Warnings

For up to date information call Floodline on 0845 988 1188

Flood Warnings

The Environment Agency (EA) is responsible for flood warnings in England & Wales and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in Scotland.

Northern Ireland does not operate a flood warning service but there are a range of numbers to call for roads and river alerts. For more information see Northern Ireland Flood Response Numbers below.

Both the EA and SEPA use the same floodline number and alert classifications. If you are worried about the current risk of flooding in your area call the Floodline on 0845 988 1188. The Floodline minicom number is 0845 602 6340

Online Flood Warnings

Flood Warnings can be viewed online at the:

The alerts are classified in four categories: Flood Watch, Flood Warning, Severe Flood Warning and All Clear.

Flood Watch

Definition: Flooding of low lying land and roads is expected. Be aware and be prepared.

Watch water levels

  • Stay tuned to local radio or TV
  • Ring Floodline on 0845 988 1188
  • Make sure you have what you need to put your flood plan into action
  • Alert your neighbours, particularly the elderly
  • Check pets and livestock
  • Reconsider travel plans

Flood Warning

Definition: Flooding of homes and businesses is expected. Act now.

As with Flood Watch plus:

  • Move pets, vehicles, food, valuables and other items to safety
  • Put sandbags or flood boards in place
  • Prepare to turn off gas and electricity
  • Be prepared to evacuate your home
  • Protect yourself, your family and others that need your help

Severe Flood Warning

Definition: Severe flooding is expected. There is extreme danger to life and property. Act now.

As with Flood Warning plus:

  • Be prepared to lose power supplies - gas, electricity, water, telephone
  • Try to keep calm, and to reassure others, especially children
  • Co-operate with emergency services and local authorities
  • You may be evacuated

All Clear

Definition: Flood Watches or Warnings are no longer in force for this area.

  • Flood water levels receding.
  • Check all is safe to return.
  • Seek advice.

Telephone Flood Warnings in England and Wales

Some areas with a high likelihood of flooding can receive early warnings by phone, mobile, fax or pager. You can find out if you live in one of these areas and sign up to the service by calling the Floodline 0845 988 1188.

Scottish Flood Warning Schemes

SEPA in partnership with local authorities and the police operate 41 separate flood warning schemes covering local areas of high risk across the country. They are currently looking into how they can provide warnings directly to all potentially affected individuals, communities or businesses within the schemes.

To find out if you live within a flood warning scheme, you can call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 and give your postcode to one of the operators.  If you are covered by a scheme, they will provide you with a quick dial number to allow you to access recorded information for your area the next time you call.

Northern Ireland Flood Response Numbers

The various authorities in Northern Ireland have set up one response number which is manned 24 hours a day to report a flood. The agency will contact the local authorities in your area to take action.

Rivers Agency Number is - 0300 2000 100 if flooding is coming from rivers or overflowing watercourses.

More information and a leaflet with the number and what to do, coverage area maps and basic flood advice is available from the Rivers Agency website.

BBC TV Weather Forecasts

It is always best to look at the Environment Agency website for accurate flood warnings. The BBC includes only Severe Flood Warnings in their TV weather forecasts so by then water may already be lapping at your door!

Useful Weather Forecasts and Reports:

Traffic Information for Motorways and Trunk Roads

The individual countries each have services that provide travel information on trunk roads and motorways affected by weather to your desktop: