Flood warnings go digital

01 December 2010

Five million people at risk from flooding across England and Wales are to benefit from online flood forecasts updated daily by the Environment Agency.

Daily and three day forecasts will be available, giving the public warning of the potential for floods from rivers, the sea and intense rainfall.

The Environment Agency also said applications for smart phones were in development which would provide live feeds on river levels and flood warnings.

Localised information will also be distributed by phone and text messages that are issued to homes and businesses.

"One in six homes in England and Wales are at risk of flooding," said Craig Woolhouse, the Environment Agency's head of flood incident management.

"We urge everyone to check whether their property is at risk by visiting the Environment Agency's website and taking steps to prepare, such as looking at ways to make properties more flood-proof.

He added: "Our new online flood forecasts, along with clearer warnings, will better prepare people for potential flooding, helping protect lives and property."

Flooding and coastal erosion minister Richard Benyon said: "Half the battle in protecting homes from floods is being prepared. These updates to our flood warning service will give people whose homes are at risk of flooding more detailed warning up to three days in advance and better advice on what action they need to take. This is part of our commitment to meeting the Pitt Review recommendations to help manage the risk of flooding."

The Environment Agency has signed up almost 1m properties to its flood warnings and it is hoped that more people will sign up following the new implemented changes.