New forecasting service to help improve flood resilience

Developed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Met Office, the Scottish Flood Forecast provides the earliest indication possible of when and where flooding is expected, and whether the source is from rivers, surface water or the sea.

In addition, the colour coded map on SEPA’s website describes the potential impacts on communities and links to advice and information on what protective action people can take if required. It also offers reassurance when significant flooding is not expected.

The Scottish Flood Forecast was developed following extensive research involving the public, community flood groups, emergency responders, partner organisations and both SEPA and Met Office employees. Feedback from more than 200 users was also gathered during a trial phase from May last year.

The forecast is produced daily, year-round, and published on SEPA’s website. It is an additional tool for the public to use alongside the current Floodline service, which issues shorter notice Regional Flood Alerts and Local Flood Warnings to those signed up.

Environment Minister Mairi McAllan said: “The impact of the climate emergency means that flooding will be more frequent. That is why it’s so important that we increase community resilience and take action to manage flood risk.”

Nicole Paterson, SEPA chief executive, added: “The Scottish Flood Forecast has been the biggest change to SEPA’s flood warning service in the last decade and is a major step forward in helping communities become more resilient to flooding.

“This winter we were reminded why that is so important, as parts of Scotland experienced damaging impacts from flooding - notably Aberdeenshire and Angus in November and Dumfries and Galloway in December.

“While the Scottish Flood Forecast currently displays information at a national level, work will continue on the forecast to gradually introduce localised information.”

The forecast can be viewed at www.sepa.org.uk/scottishfloodforecast.