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SEPA urges the public to sign up for free flood messages following October's severe weather

SEPA are Scotland’s national flood forecasting and warning authority. Advance notice of flooding is provided using forecast weather information from the Met Office in combination with SEPA’s own rainfall and river level observations, and advanced hydrological modelling.

When flooding impacts are forecast, regional Alerts, local Warnings or, in worst case scenarios local Severe Warnings, are issued to those signed up to receive them via phone call or text. 

Last month alone, more than 200 messages were issued to communities across Scotland experiencing flooding following prolonged and intense rainfall. The north-east of Scotland in particular faced very serious impacts during Storm Babet. 

Pascal Lardet, Flood Warning Unit Manager at SEPA, said:

“Around 4,000 people signed up to receive our Alerts and Warnings last month, demonstrating just how vital this information is during severe weather. However, we’re urging those who aren’t signed up yet not to wait until the next storm hits and take action now to sign up to our free Floodline service.

“It’s widely accepted that climate change is resulting in more extreme weather. Flooding will become more of a regular occurrence and it’s vital that communities are supported to prepare more effectively for the impacts to keep themselves and their families safe.

SEPA are continuing to expand Scotland’s flood warning service network and have recently added six local Flood Warning areas along the River Carron near Falkirk. Approximately 1,500 properties are at risk of flooding in these areas, which were identified in Scotland’s Flood Risk Management Plans as a priority.

Pascal Lardet added: 

“By using data from two gauging stations and a new flood forecasting model, SEPA are able to give between three to six hours advance warning of flood risk to those around the River Carron. 

“Receiving our messages allows communities and businesses more time to act and reduce the risk of damage and disruption. This may involve deploying flood protection products, moving vehicles from at risk areas and changing travel plans.”

Sign up to receive free regional flood alert and local flood warning messages to your phone, for free, letting you know when the area where you live, work or travel through is at risk of flooding. You can register online.

Notes to editors

What’s the difference between a flood alert and a flood warning?

Regional flood alerts are early advice that flooding is possible across a wider geographical area. The purpose of the alerts is to make people aware of the risk of flooding and be prepared. We normally issue them 12 to 24 hours in advance of the possibility of flooding.

Flood warnings are more locally specific and are issued for areas where we have gauges on rivers to measure the exact river height. They are issued at shorter notice when we are more certain that a specific area will be affected.

• Register online to receive free flood alerts and warnings.
• More information on SEPA and public bodies responsibilities for flooding can be found on our website at responsibilities for flooding.
• To understand how flood risk will be managed in your area, view our Flood Risk Management Plans website.
• All SEPA’s regional flood alerts and local flood warnings are available on our website.
• Check the Scottish Flood Forecast – developed in partnership with the Met Office it provides the earliest indication possible of when and where flooding is expected over the next three days, and whether the source is from rivers, surface water or the sea.
• Follow our dedicated flooding channel @SEPAFlood on X, formerly Twitter, for the latest flooding information.