Flooding & Severe Weather
Know the warning, then follow official advice
Flooding can happen even if you do not live next to a river. Use official warning services first, then your household plan. This page summarises published guidance for England and points to the different services in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Check and sign up
- Check for flooding — current warnings and risk in the next five days.
- Get flood warnings — free Environment Agency messages by text, phone or email in England. This service does not cover surface water (flash) flooding.
- Check the Met Office for weather warnings across the UK.
- Floodline: 0345 988 1188 (textphone 0345 602 6340), 24 hours.
What the Environment Agency warnings mean (England)
- Flood alert — flooding is possible; prepare now.
- Flood warning — flooding is expected; act now.
- Severe flood warning — flooding could be a risk to life and cause significant disruption; you must act now.
If a flood warning is issued, official advice includes moving family, pets and important items to safety (for example upstairs or to higher ground), using flood protection products if you have them, and turning off gas, electricity and water if it is safe — do not touch an electrical switch if you are standing in water. Do not walk, cycle or drive through flood water. Follow the emergency services and your local council; you may be asked to evacuate.
If a severe flood warning is issued and you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.
Read What to do during a UK flood warning.
Sources: Flood alerts and warnings explained; What to do before or during a flood; Get flood warnings.