New flooding forecast is launched online
Renfrewshire residents are being asked for their feedback on a new Scottish Flood Forecast.
This will give communities an indication of where flooding is likely to occur up to three days in advance.
A digital, colour coded map has been developed to show potential flood risks in a three-day forecast, and whether the source of flooding is from the sea, rivers or from surface water.
It will describe the potential impacts of flooding and link to advice and information on what action people can take, if required.
The forecast will be produced every morning, 365 days a year, 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, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Scottish Flood Forecasting Service, a partnership between the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Met Office, has created the new Scottish Flood Forecast following extensive user research.
It involved the public, community flood groups, emergency responders, partner organisations and SEPA and Met Office employees.
The findings identified a need for flood information to be provided earlier, in a simple and clear way, and the ability to check when no flooding is expected.
The new national service can be viewed online.
Feedback from the public will be gathered to inform the next steps and refine the design. The forecast is expected to be finalised and launched later this year.
Pascal Lardet, flood warning unit manager at SEPA, said:“More extreme weather and rising sea levels due to climate change mean we have to learn to live with flooding.
“It’s vital communities are supported to safely prepare for the potential impacts as early as possible.
“Thanks to this new product and the extra notice it offers, they’ll have the best chance to reduce the risk of damage and disruption.”
The forecast is available at www.sepa.org.uk/scottishfloodforecast