From drought to floods in 2012: operations and early warning services in the UK

The Flood Forecasting Centre (FFC) is a partnership between the UK Met Office and the Environment Agency, established in 2009 to provide an operational early warning system for flood risk across England and Wales. It was set up following the summer 2007 floods in England and Wales, and the subsequent recommendations of the Pitt Review, to provide longer lead times for flooding. Since 2011, the FFC has delivered its 24/7 forecasting service from the Operations Centre at the Met Office in Exeter, primarily for the emergency response community. The FFC provides forecasts for all sources of flooding, namely fluvial, coastal, surface water and groundwater. Recent examples, most notably from the 2012 floods, are presented. Following the success of the FFC, the Environment Agency, Met Office and partner organisations have extended the methodology and services under the Natural Hazard Partnership.