Recent heavy rainfall (at last) with more expected in the coming days serves as a timely reminder for all residents to stay informed about local flood risks. Although current weather warnings relate mainly to thunderstorms further north, surface water and flash flooding can still occur quickly and without much notice.

Stay Informed: Flood Alerts & Weather Warnings
Residents are encouraged to regularly check the 5‑day flood forecast, along with any active river, sea or groundwater flood alerts, via:
🔗Check for Flooding service

For up‑to‑date weather warnings, you can sign up for alerts or download the Met Office app:
🔗 Met Office

These tools provide early information that can help households prepare for heavy rainfall, protect property, and stay safe.

Understanding Local Resilience Forums (LRFs)
Flood wardens have received an overview of Local Resilience Forums (LRFs) — multi‑agency partnerships established under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.

LRFs bring together:
– Emergency services
– Local authorities
– NHS organisations
– The Environment Agency
– Other public bodies

Their role is to plan, prepare and coordinate responses to major incidents, including flooding. Flood wardens play a vital part in this system: the information they gather and share during flood events directly supports LRFs in managing local responses and keeping communities safe.

If you want to find out more there are a number of YouTube videos that you may find helpful

Natural Flood Management, NFM	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pAXjjh56oY
Flash Flooding	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcK2ufdPTwg
Property Flood Resilience, PFR measures	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KDAaupa4h0
Introduction to the Flood Warden Role	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_niBfDjQQU
Flood Risk Management	https://youtu.be/h2IqZyAVuZI
New Warning Service – flood warnings for river, sea and groundwater	https://youtu.be/bhRDiixZQDk
Groundwater Flooding 2026	https://youtu.be/CR6xkrHFa0U
Flood Mary – Experiencing and recovering from flooding and building resilience for future events.	https://youtu.be/J6TjOIPHk1I
FloodRe and Build Back Better (flood cover for insurance and claims)	https://youtu.be/T0lmuJI4fdk
Emergency Plans and Flood Plans	https://youtu.be/8-yc_ZZD3WI
Local Resilience Forums (LRFs) and the role they play in planning and preparing for and responding to emergencies and how the flood warden role fits within this	https://youtu.be/YNH8Vosj0ZU