Scottish Borders residents encouraged to sign up to SEPA’s enhanced flood warning service

As part of a full review in the region, enhancements have been made to the service, which was initially developed more than 15 years ago, to include improved forecasting models utilising the latest rainfall and water level data as well as updating the flood warning thresholds. 

Users of SEPA’s free Floodline service, which sends advance notifications of flooding by phone, text or email, will now receive more relevant flood messages tailored to their specific location - allowing people vital time to prepare, protect their property and reduce the impact of flooding on their homes, businesses and communities. 

The number of local flood warning areas across the Scottish Borders, which are designed to reflect local catchments and communities at risk from both river and coastal flooding, has also increased from 30 to 32 to account for the latest available flood risk information and climate change projections. 

This has included introducing more targeted flood warnings for the Selkirk and Preston to Paxton areas.  

The improvements as a whole aim to more closely reflect local conditions and how flooding affects individual communities across the Tweed catchment – helping them to take action at the right time. 

Gail Donald, South East Senior Flood Advisor for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said: 

“With wetter winters and more frequent storms predicted, communities across the country face an increased risk of flooding brought on by heavy rainfall, saturated ground and extreme weather events. 

“The changes to our flood forecasting models and Flood Warning Areas in the Scottish Borders mean we can provide more targeted warnings to locals across the region, providing them with more accurate information based on their location to take action and to protect themselves and their communities.  

“That means users of our Floodline service will be given more accurate messaging that more closely reflects local conditions and the way flooding affects communities. 

“It’s one of the many tools at our disposal to help members of the public prepare and be aware of the risk of flooding. Together, alongside SEPA’s Scottish Flood Forecast, which provides a three-day outlook of where flooding may be possible, as well as real-time updates and practical advice promoted through our social media channels, we can help ensure that people receive clearer, more relevant information to help them take action at the right time.  

“Flooding remains a growing threat to our communities and that is why it is vital that residents and businesses of the Scottish Borders who aren’t signed up to our free Floodline service take action now and not wait until the next storm hits.” 

Customers currently signed up to Floodline may notice changes to the areas they receive warnings for as a result of these changes. SEPA will be issuing a message to all current Floodline users making them aware of the updates.

Members of the public and businesses can sign up to Floodline free of charge online to receive text, phone call, or email messages directly to your phone letting you know when the area where you live, work or travel through is at risk of flooding, allowing you to take action and prepare when flooding is expected.

Floodline users can update their information by visiting the SEPA website. 

Check the Scottish Flood Forecast: Combining the Met Office's cutting-edge weather forecasts with SEPA's data and expertise, the Scottish Flood Forecast provides a clear, three-day outlook that shows when and where flooding is expected, whether from rivers, surface water, or the sea in Scotland. It can also reassure you if flooding is not expected.  

Follow SEPA on social media: SEPA provide information on predicted flooding in advance through the dedicated @SEPAFlood account on X and its Facebook page. 

For up-to-date information on Flood Alerts and Warnings, as well as more information visit SEPA's flooding pages.