New Flood Warning Service Launches in Yorkshire
The Environment Agency has rolled out a new flood warning system targeting eight Yorkshire areas this week. The service aims to alert residents of any immediate flood risks, covering 2,557 properties at high risk.
Free Alerts Help Residents Prepare and Act Fast
Locals can sign up free-of-charge to receive warnings via phone calls or texts. The system issues alerts when flooding is forecast, followed by updates on likely impacts.
There are three alert levels:
- Flood Alert: Time to prepare. Pack essentials like medicines, insurance papers, and valuables.
- Flood Warning: Act now! Switch off gas, water, electricity, and move family and pets to safety.
- Severe Flood Warning: Immediate danger. Follow emergency services’ advice without delay.
Cutting-Edge Tech Expands Coverage to Rural Areas
This upgrade comes as 110,000 more UK homes and businesses become eligible for flood warnings. Advances by the Environment Agency now allow warnings even in remote and rural locations that were once hard to reach.
Graham Lindsey, flood resilience team leader, said:
“We know the devastating impact that flooding can have, which is why protecting people and communities is our top priority.
These warnings help people prepare and respond smartly. We urge everyone in the new coverage areas to sign up for free alerts this winter for their safety and peace of mind.”
New Flood Warning Zones in Yorkshire
- Oil Mill Beck at Horsforth Woodside
- Black Brook from Bowers Mill to Berry Mill Lane, Calderdale
- Bradford Beck and tributaries, Bradford
- Hunsworth Beck at Oakenshaw
- Went Beck at Purston Jaglin, Wakefield
- River Esk at Ruswarp, Glaisdale, and Danby
How the Flood Warnings Work
Over 1.6 million people across England get flood warnings from a network of river gauges and sensors. The system merges river data, weather forecasts, and modelling to produce pinpoint flood alerts tailored to specific locations.
