The Environment Agency brought into effect changes at the end of last week to make its flood warning service clearer and easier to understand.

Midlands people living or working in flood risk areas have been advised to be aware of these changes, which involve changing the name and definition of the types of warning they may receive.

Historically, the term ‘Flood Watch’ meant the general possibility of flooding in a broad geographical area. A ‘Flood Warning’ was issued for flooding specific to a particular river stretch, whether it was for low lying land and roads, or for property flooding.

From January 2006, the Environment Agency are making it simpler and more focused:

A ‘Flood Watch’ will provide a warning of flooding to low lying land and roads. This will relate to easily understood geographical areas, such as the ‘River Severn in Worcestershire’

A ‘Flood Warning’ will now mean that flooding of homes and business is expected

A ‘Severe Flood Warning’ will be issued when there is extreme danger to life and property

The major effect of these changes will be felt by those who presently receive ‘flood warnings’ for low-lying land (farmers, councils, police etc.).  These people will now receive a ‘flood watches’ for this scale of flooding instead.

This week, the Environment Agency will be contacting anyone affected by the changes by letter or e-mail.

Flood Forecasting Technical Specialist, Katharine Robb, said: "The new meanings are simpler and easier to understand. It will now be much clearer whether homes and businesses are at risk, or whether is it low lying land and roads."

"People should still take the appropriate action they used to take when they receive a message. The only difference is that, when it refers only to low lying land and roads, the message is now called Flood Watch and the name of the area will be described differently from before."

Detailed up to date information is still available by calling the Environment Agency Floodline number 0845 988 1188 and entering an existing quickdial number.

Further information on the changes to the Flood Warning Service can be obtained by calling our National Customer Contact Centre on 08708 506506 during office hours and asking to speak to a member of the Flood Incident Management Team for your Area.