What geographic areas are Flood Watches issued for? Warning information and, if possible, bookmark these pages for quick access. Latest rainfall and river level heights, as well as the If flooding develops, consider making preparations to move livestock, family and possessions to higher ground. If a Flood Watch is issued for your area we encourage you to look out for future Flood Watch updates and heed Flood Warnings if these are issued, and to follow the advice of the local emergency services. What action should I take if a Flood Watch is issued for my area? A Flood Watch can be issued before, during and after the rainfall has occurred, depending on the level of maturity of the flood warning systems and services, and flood impact information made available from the local emergency services or state agency.įlood Watches are updated at least daily and finalised once all areas are covered by flood warnings or the risk of flooding has passed. A Flood Watch may discuss possible snowmelt, local flooding or tidal impacts but a Flood Watch will not be issuedĪ Flood Watch is generally issued up to four days in advance of the expected onset of flooding. The product also provides links to weather warnings, other Bureau flood-related products,Īnd contact details and information of relevant emergency services.Īlthough there is uncertainty attached to a Flood Watch, its early dissemination can help individuals and communities to be better prepared The Bureau issues a Flood Watch to provide early advice of a developing situation that may lead to flooding.Ī Flood Watch is not a warning of imminent flooding.Ī Flood Watch provides information about a developing weather situation including forecast rainfall totals, catchments at risk of flooding,Īnd indicative severity where required. The Bureau delivers this service through Flood Warning Centres in Bureau Regional Offices in each State and the Northern Territory. These services are provided with the cooperation of other government authorities, such as the State/Territory Emergency Services (S/TES), water agencies and local councils. The Bureau of Meteorology provides flood forecasting and warning services for most major rivers in Australia. Flash floods tend to be quite local and it is difficult to provide effective warning because of their rapid onset. This flooding can occur in any part of Australia, but is a particularly serious problem in urban areas where drainage systems may not cope and in very small creeks and streams. Flash flooding usually results from relatively short intense bursts of rainfall, commonly from thunderstorms. As these rivers are steeper, flooding often lasts for only one to two days. In hilly or mountainous areas of these inland rivers, as well as in rivers draining to the coast, flooding can occur more quickly. Flooding of rivers in inland areas of central and western New South Wales and Queensland, as well as parts of Western Australia, can spread for thousands of square kilometres and may last for weeks or even months. Very high tides are another cause of flooding in coastal areas. The flooding of rivers following heavy rainfall is the most common form of flooding in Australia. This service is provided in cooperation with other government agencies such as State/Territory emergency management agencies, water authorities and local Councils, coordinated through Flood Warning Consultative Committees and established cooperative working arrangements in each State/Territory. The primary function of the Flood Warning Service Program is the provision of an effective flood forecasting and warning service in each Australian State/Territory. National Industry Guideline for water quality metadata.National Industry Guidelines for hydrometric monitoring.Urban Water Management Information Requirements.Metadata and Contextual Information Requirements.

Definition areal flood warning