River flooding
Slower-onset than flash, but covers wider areas and lasts longer.
Context
River flooding usually develops over hours to days as catchments saturate. The Environment Agency's three-tier warning system (Flood Alert → Flood Warning → Severe Flood Warning) gives you real lead-time. Severe flooding involves danger to life — Severe Flood Warnings have been issued for catchments where homes have been at risk of being swept away.
When this matters
Environment Agency Flood Alert active for your catchment, or sustained heavy rain on already-saturated ground.
Before
- Register your postcode with the Environment Agency for free flood alerts at gov.uk/check-flood-risk.
- If you're in a Flood Warning area, you should already have a property-level flood plan, sandbags or barrier kits, and a list of valuables to lift.
- Know your evacuation route to higher ground that doesn't cross the same river you're trying to escape.
- Insurance check — make sure flood is covered, and you know your policy excess.
During
- Move upstairs. Take medications, documents, phone + charger.
- Switch off gas, electricity, and water at the mains before water rises near sockets.
- Don't try to drive through floodwater. This applies even more on rural roads where the EA hasn't issued a closure.
- Don't try to wade through fast-moving water. Even shallow water moving quickly will sweep you away.
- If you're trapped, call 999 — be specific about your address and which storey you're on. Move to upper floors, not the roof, unless rescue requires it.
After
- Wait for the official "all clear" before returning. Severe Flood Warnings are downgraded as river levels drop.
- Don't use any utility until checked. Water-damaged sockets are a fire risk.
- Document damage thoroughly, contact your insurer, keep receipts for emergency lodging.
- Don't dispose of damaged goods until your insurer has seen them.
UK specifics — numbers, sources
- Floodline: 0345 988 1188 (England + Wales).
- SEPA flood warnings (Scotland): floodlinescotland.org.uk.
- Natural Resources Wales: naturalresources.wales/flooding.
- NI Rivers Agency: nidirect.gov.uk/flooding.
- Severe Flood Warning = danger to life. Three-tier escalation: Alert → Warning → Severe Warning.
General guidance. Your specific circumstances may vary — follow the Met Office, Environment Agency / SEPA / NRW, your local council, and emergency services for situation-specific direction. See the code of conduct for chasers in the field.