Flood warning systems under stress in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Discusses the results of evaluations of flood forecasting, warning and response systems in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Reveals that in England and Wales flood warning systems often underperform. Despite technical sophistication and their elevation to high priority in central government′s flood defence strategy, arrangements for flood warnings are now under considerable stress because of lack of agreement over organizational roles and responsibilities. Legal ambiguities, funding difficulties and ideological positions lie behind these problems. Flood warning systems are developing in Scotland, and there is now a “fledgling” system in Northern Ireland, but both lag behind England and Wales. Examines implications for the future.

Citation

Parker, D., Fordham, M., Tunstall, S. and Ketteridge, A. (1995), "Flood warning systems under stress in the United Kingdom", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 4 No. 3, pp. 32-42. https://doi.org/10.1108/09653569510088050