In the build-up to bad weather or storms like Hurricane Lorenzo, the news is full of warnings about the risk of flooding. But what are these warnings? We’ve put together a quick UK flood warnings guide answering this question and to help you prepare for when flooding threatens.
There are three main types of warning put out by the environment agency when there is a risk of flooding:
Flood Alert
Flooding is possible – be prepared
Triggers include forecasts of intense rainfall for rivers that respond rapidly and high tides with strong winds
Flood Warning
Flooding is expected – immediate action required
Triggers include high tides with strong winds and heavy rain forecast to cause flash flooding of rivers
Severe Flood Warning
Severe flooding – threat to life
Triggers include actual flooding where conditions pose a significant risk to life and/or widespread disruption to communities
There are numerous websites that provide information on flood warnings. Unfortunately there is no one website for all of the UK, but services that cover each constituent nation. We’ve picked some of the best links:
England: https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings
Wales:https://naturalresources.wales/flooding/check-flood-warnings/?lang=en
Scotland: https://floodline.sepa.org.uk/floodupdates/
Northern Ireland: https://www.scribblemaps.com/maps/view/Northern_Ireland_-_Live_Flood_Warnings_Weather_related_incidents_/b5tcCpgGqK
Want to know more? Check out the Environment Agency’s in-depth guide. It explains when the warnings are used and includes advice for individuals and organisations – which is available here. For information on insurance that can help for areas that frequently receive flood warnings – visit our homepage.
Join our award winning team. FloodFlash is hiring for new roles across multiple departments. Click here to find out more. |
Thanks for registering your interest in FloodFlash tech-enabled insurance. Please fill the form below and we’ll be in touch when our rapid-payout cover is available in your area.
Thanks for requesting the FloodFlash+ case studies booklet. Please enter your email below to request a download link.
Let us know a little more about your business and we’ll recommend brokers that are best suited to your needs.