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Checking on flood warnings in your area

If you want to get information on flood warnings for your area by phone or using online services, follow the link below. This information is provided by the Environment Agency, a public organisation responsible for helping you to prepare for floods.

• How to check if there are flood warnings in your area

Flood warning codes

If flooding is forecast in your area, the Environment Agency uses a series of four codes to show how dangerous the situation is. These codes are ‘flood watch’, ‘flood warning’, ‘severe flood warning’ and ‘all clear’ and may be used in any order.

The four flood codes are described in more detail below including what you should do in each situation.

Flood watch

Flood watch

This code means that you can expect flooding of low lying land and roads. You should:

• check local news and weather forecasts and water levels near you
• be prepared to put into action any plans you have made to deal with flooding in your area

• Preparing for a flood

Flood warning

Flood warning

This code means that you can expect flooding of homes and businesses.

You should:

• act now by moving cars, pets, food, valuables and important documents to safety
• put flood protection equipment in place
• turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if it’s safe to do so
• be prepared to evacuate your home

Try to stop any water from entering your home by:

• putting plugs in sinks and baths and weigh them down with a sandbag, pillowcase or a plastic bag filled with garden soil, or a heavy object

If you don’t have valves fitted which allow flow of water in one direction (non-return valves) you should:

• plug water inlet pipes with towels or cloths
• disconnect any equipment that uses water (like washing machines and dishwashers)
  

• More information about flood protection equipment

Severe flood warning

Severe flood warning

This code means that you can expect severe flooding and there is extreme danger to life and property. You should:

• collect the things you need for evacuation and turn off the gas, electricity and water supplies if it’s safe to do so
• stay in a high place with a means of escape, avoid electricity sources and avoid walking or driving through flood water
• call 999 immediately if you are in danger

In the event you are evacuated
If you are told to evacuate your home by the emergency services you should do so. Refusing to leave on their advice will put you, your family and those trying to help you at risk.

You will be taken to an evacuation centre run by your local council. Free food and bedding will be provided but you should bring spare clothing, essential medication and babycare items if you need them.

Most evacuation centres will let you take your pets. You should put cats and small animals in a pet carrier or secure box and bring enough food for them.

The people who run the centres are trained to give you support and advice. They will help you through the stress of a flood and prepare you for what to do afterwards.

All clear

All clear

This code means that flood watches or warnings are no longer in force for your area. You should:

• keep listening to weather reports and only return to evacuated buildings if you are told it is safe to do so
• beware of sharp objects and pollution in flood water
• contact your insurance company and ask their advice before starting to clean up if your property or belongings are damaged