How SEPA forecasts flooding

You can have confidence in the accuracy of our river and coastal flood forecasts.  These forecasts are based on the timings and likelihood of flooding.  Click here to find out more about SEPA's flood monitoring systems.

How are the forecasts generated?

• SEPA uses river and coastal monitoring systems that can accurately predict both the likelihood and timings of floods.   Click here to find out more about SEPA’s flood monitoring systems.
  
  
• Our Flood Warning Duty Officers based at SEPA offices across the country are on call 24 hours a day. They are experienced hydrologists and use their expertise to assess rainfall data, river level data, weather and tidal forecasts on a daily basis.
  
  
• SEPA hydrologists work with the Met Office, sharing forecasting expertise and research.  The partnership is called the Scottish Flood Forecasting Service and links the two organisations virtually to provide better flood forecasts on a longer lead time for key responders such as emergency services.
  
  
• We have invested in new weather monitoring and river forecasting technologies.  That’s why, in some areas, we can even predict the timing of floods street by street.

When we’re confident that flooding is likely to occur in the immediate future, a range of flood messages are issued for specific areas across Scotland depending on the severity and likelihood of flooding.