Be prepared for the risk of flooding by signing up to flood warning services and weather updates. The Environment Agency updates its flood warning information every 15 minutes.
Flooding Alerts
We explain the Environment Agency flood warnings and how it can help you to be prepared.
The flood warning service consists of three types of warnings which each advise on the severity of the flooding and will help you take action and prepare for flooding.
Flooding Weather Alerts
There are three types of flood warnings when severe weather has the potential to impact to the UK. These warnings are given a colour (yellow, amber or red). Each warning is triggered by particular weather, river or sea conditions which cause flooding.
It is important to read each warning to know what level of impact you can expect for your chosen warning area and how likely those are to occur.
Yellow - Flood Alerts
Flooding is possible. Be prepared.
Triggers:
- Flooding from rivers may be possible
- Intense rainfall for rivers that respond very rapidly
- High tides, surges or strong winds
Impact on the Ground:
- Flooding of fields, recreation land and car parks
- Flooding of minor roads
- Flooding of farmland
- Spray or wave overtopping on the coast
Advice:
- Check your flood response plans to see how your organisation needs to respond
- Speak to your local Environment Agency Flood Warning Duty Officer for the latest forecast information
- Dial into Flood Advisory Services teleconferences
- Advise on the public to call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for up-to-date information
- Please report any flooding in your area to your local Environment Agency office
Amber - Flood Warnings
Flooding is expected. Immediate action required.
Triggers:
- High tides, surges coupled with strong winds
- Heavy rainfall forecast to cause flash flooding of rivers
- Forecast flooding from rivers
Impact on the ground:
- Flooding of homes and businesses
- Flooding of rail infrastructure
- Flooding of roads with major impacts
- Significant waves and spray on the coast
- Extensive flood plain inundation (including caravan parks or campsites)
- Flooding of major tourist/recreational attractions
Advice:
- Check flood response plans for actions required at this stage
- Speak to your local Environment Agency Flood Warning Duty Officer for the latest forecast information
- Advise the public to call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for up-to-date flooding information
- Please report any flooding in your area to your local Environment Agency office
Red - Severe Flood Warnings
Severe flooding. Danger to life.
Triggers:
- Actual flooding where the conditions pose a significant risk to life and/or widespread disruption to communities
- On-site observations from flooded locations
- A break in defences or failure of a barrier that is likely to cause significant risk to live
- Discussions with partners
Impacts on the ground:
- Deep and fast flowing water
- Debris in the water causing danger
- Potential or observed collapse of buildings and structures
- Communities isolated by flood waters
- Critical infrastructure for communities disabled
- Large number of evacuees
- Military support
Advice:
- Check flood response plans for actions required at this stage
- Advise the public to put their safety first and to be ready to evacuate should the authorities decide it is needed
- Develop clear messages for local communities and the public
More from Arco
Workplace Range
Ensure you have the right equipment to be prepared for flooding and to safely clean-up afterwards to keep your site open, operations running and people safe. From sandbags, flood and door barriers to lighting, water pumps and cleaning solutions.
Worker Range
Protect your workers from the hidden dangers of flood water beneath the waterline while ensuring compliance. It is important that the correct personal protection is provided. Get equipped with waders and wellingtons, PPE and skin care products.