TL;DR
The Environment Agency Flood Information Service publishes live flood alerts and warnings for England. Free text and email alerts can be set up against any postcode. The service runs four alert levels from Flood Alert through Severe Flood Warning.
The Environment Agency Flood Information Service publishes live flood alerts and warnings for England, including rivers, surface water and coastal flooding. Free text and email alerts can be set up for any postcode through gov.uk, and the service operates four alert levels from Flood Alert through Severe Flood Warning.
How the four alert levels work
Flood Alert indicates that flooding is possible. Recipients are advised to be prepared. Flood Warning means that flooding is expected and immediate action is required.
Severe Flood Warning indicates a danger to life. Recipients should follow instructions from emergency services. The fourth state, No Flood Warnings in Force, simply means no current alerts apply.
How to check your postcode
Visit flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk and enter the postcode. The map view shows the area's flood risk classification and any current alerts in force.
The same page lists historic flooding incidents at the postcode and explains the flood risk from rivers, surface water and reservoirs. Insurance providers may ask for the area's classification when quoting buildings insurance.
Setting up free alerts
Free text and email alerts are available through the Environment Agency's Floodline service. Sign up by phone on 0345 988 1188 or through gov.uk. The service is free.
Wales and Scotland have separate services. Natural Resources Wales operates the Welsh flood warning service and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency operates the Scottish equivalent. Northern Ireland uses the Department for Infrastructure.
What to do when an alert is issued
Move pets, valuables and electrical items upstairs or to higher ground. Move cars to higher ground if possible. Avoid walking or driving through flood water, as 30cm of moving water can carry away a car.
If a Severe Flood Warning is issued, follow instructions from emergency services and prepare to evacuate. Have a grab bag with documents, medication, phone chargers and a torch ready in advance.
Insurance and recovery
Households in flood risk areas can use Flood Re, a reinsurance scheme that helps make affordable buildings insurance available. Eligibility depends on property type and the date of construction, with most pre-2009 homes covered.
After a flood, contact the buildings insurer as soon as possible. Take photographs of damage before cleaning up and keep receipts for any temporary accommodation or repairs.
Key facts
- Four alert levels: Flood Alert through Severe Flood Warning.
- Free text and email alerts through Floodline 0345 988 1188.
- 30cm of moving water can carry away a car.
- Flood Re helps with affordable insurance in flood risk areas.
- Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate services.
FAQ
How do I check my flood risk?
Enter your postcode at flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk to see the area's flood risk classification, current alerts and historic incidents.
What do the alert levels mean?
Flood Alert means flooding is possible and to be prepared. Flood Warning means flooding is expected and immediate action is needed. Severe Flood Warning indicates a danger to life and requires following emergency service instructions.
How do I sign up for free flood alerts?
Call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or sign up through gov.uk. The service is free and provides text or email alerts for any registered postcode.
What should I do if my home floods?
Move pets, valuables and electrical items upstairs. Avoid walking or driving through flood water. Contact your buildings insurer as soon as the immediate danger has passed and photograph the damage before cleaning up.
