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The flood warning service

The Environment Agency provides a flood warning service throughout England and Wales in areas at risk of flooding from rivers or the sea. In some parts of England we also provide a flood warning service for flooding from groundwater.

Using the latest available technology, our staff monitor rainfall, river levels and sea conditions 24 hours a day and use this information to forecast the possibility of flooding.  If flooding is forecast, we issue warnings using a set of three different warning types. 

                      Flood alertFlood warningSevere flood warning

How are warnings issued?

  • Direct to you - receive warnings by phone, text, email or fax.  Sign up for our FREE Floodline Warnings Direct service on this website or by calling Floodline on 0845 988 1188.
  • On our flood warnings website - view up-to-date information about flood warnings in force, monitor the river or sea levels in your area and check out the latest flood risk forecast for your county.
  • By calling Floodline on 0845 988 1188 - you can listen to recorded information on the latest warnings and predictions or speak to an operator for more general information 24 hours a day.  Our operators can also provide a quickdial number which gives you faster access to information for your area.
  • Through the media - you may see or hear our warnings on television and in radio broadcasts.  You can also view the latest warnings on BBC Ceefax page 419 and Digital Ceefax page 405.
  • Flood Wardens - in some areas Flood Wardens are there to alert and support their local community when a flood warning is issued.  Call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 to find out if this service is available where you live.
  • Sirens/loudhailers - in some areas we use loudhailer or siren systems to warn people that a flood warning has been issued.  Call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 to find out if this type of service operates where you live.

Act now

Sign up to receive flood warnings with our free Floodline Warnings Direct service

or phone Floodline on 0845 988 1188 to speak to someone about flooding.

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