Flood warning messages and what they mean

SEPA gathers data from a network of rainfall and river and coastal monitoring stations throughout Scotland.  These stations are linked to SEPA offices and the information they produce (combined with historical flood information and weather forecasts from the Met Office) allows SEPA Hydrology staff to predict the likelihood and timing of flooding.  When they are confident that flooding is forecast, they will issue flood warning messages direct to customers through the new Floodline direct warning service, as well as publish the information on the recorded telephone and website service.

In areas where we do not operate a formal flood monitoring scheme, SEPA works with the Met Office to examine weather forecasts and will issue a Flood Alert message for a wider geographical area, normally matching local authority boundaries. 

Once a Flood Warning or Alert message has been issued, we will notify local authorities and emergency services of the situation, to enable them to take appropriate action in advance of any flooding. We also issue warnings on our Floodline recorded information system and on the SEPA live flood updates page.



Flood symbols

Have a look at the table below to familiarise yourself with the flood symbols and what they mean.

Message	How much warning will it give you?	What does it mean and what action should you take?	When is it issued?
	We endeavour to issue this message up to 24 hours in advance of expected river and coastal flooding.	Flooding is expected. Flood Alerts are early warning messages about possible flooding.  They prompt you to remain alert and vigilant and provide you with time to make early preparations for potential flooding. Flood Alerts are issued for geographically representative areas, usually matching Local Authority boundaries.	Generally 9am-5pm, 7 days a week. However, in exceptional circumstances, alerts may be issued outside these hours.
	3-6 hours in advance of expected flooding. But it may not be possible to give 3 hours notice in areas prone to rapid flooding or when water levels have escalated quicker than expected.	Flooding is imminent. Immediate action is required, take measures to protect yourself and your property.	24 hours a day.
	Whenever severe flooding is likely to cause significant risk to life, destruction of properties or local communities.	Flooding is imminent and could pose a risk to life and cause significant disruption to essential services, such as water and electricity supplies. Prepare to evacuate and co-operate with the emergency services.	24 hours a day.
No longer in force messages	Issued when warnings and alerts are no longer in force.	No further flooding is currently expected for your area. Flood waters may still be around but you can start the clean up process.	24 hours a day.