Flood warning issued: what to do in the next hour

By the Drystead team

Checked 23 Oct 2026

A warning has come through. Here's what it means, and what to do, in order. If you made a household flood plan, get it out now.

What the warning means

England, Scotland and Wales use the same three levels:

SEPA uses the same three levels in Scotland, and Natural Resources Wales describes them as "be prepared", "immediate action required" and "danger to life".

In Northern Ireland, NI Direct's advice is to call 999 immediately if you're in danger. To report flooding, call 0300 2000 100.

When a flood warning is issued

Work through this list, people first. It follows GOV.UK's advice for a flood warning.

  1. Move your family and pets to safety, upstairs or to higher ground. Check on anyone in your household or street who'd struggle to move quickly.
  2. Move important things up: documents, medicines, phones and chargers, photos and valuables.
  3. Put your flood protection in place if you have it: door barriers, air brick covers and anything else you've practised fitting.
  4. Turn off the gas, electricity and water, but only if it's safe to do so. Never touch electrics if you're standing in water.
  5. Move the car to higher ground, but only if it's safe. Don't drive through floodwater to do it.
  6. Follow the emergency services and your council. You may be asked to leave your home.

Don't go through floodwater

GOV.UK's advice is plain: don't walk, cycle or drive through floodwater. It can hide sewage, rubbish, broken drain and manhole covers, and damaged roads. The Environment Agency has warned that just 30cm of moving water is enough to float a car.

If you're told to leave

Go. Take your flood kit, your medicines and your phone, and tell your out-of-area contact where you're going. NI Direct says that if the emergency services tell you to evacuate your home, you should leave.

Keep up to date

Floodline gives updates in England, Scotland and Wales on 0345 988 1188. In England, live warnings are on Check for flooding. See how to sign up for flood warnings for each nation.

FAQs

What's the difference between a flood alert and a flood warning?

An alert means flooding is possible, so get ready. A warning means flooding is expected, so take action now. A severe flood warning means there's a danger to life.

Should I put sandbags out?

If you have barriers or sandbags and they're safe to place, put them out when a warning is issued. Don't go into floodwater to do it.

Sources