Severe flood warning

The Be Ready flooding page distinguishes two warning levels. A flood warning is issued "when flooding is expected"; a severe flood warning is issued "when there's a danger to life". Gov.uk's Emergency Alerts page lists severe flooding among the life threatening emergencies for which a mobile phone alert may be sent, and the check for flooding service shows current severe flood warnings, flood warnings and alerts for England on one page.

Be Ready gives the same actions for either level. Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if it is safe to do so, and do not touch an electrical switch while standing in water. Move family, vehicles, pets and important items to safety, for example upstairs or to higher ground. Use flood protection products such as flood barriers or air brick covers if you have them. The page also suggests packing a grab bag in advance with medication, a first aid kit, important documents, a torch, bottled water, warm waterproof clothing and baby items, stored somewhere easy to reach.

The warnings come from the Environment Agency and are sent free by phone, text or email to anyone in England who has signed up. The service covers flooding from rivers, the sea and groundwater, not surface water.