Flooding
The Environment Agency operates a flood warning system,
providing information to the public, media, emergency services and
local authorities.
If flooding is forecast, warnings are issued using a set of four
codes: These are as follows:
- Flood Watch - flooding possible. Be aware! Be prepared!
- Flood Warning - flooding expected affecting homes, businesses
and main roads
- Severe Flood Warning - severe flooding expected. Imminent
danger to life and property
- All Clear - an all clear will be issued when flood watches or
warnings are no longer in force.
When there is a risk of flooding the Agency issues warnings
through the media. These are broadcast on TV weather bulletins and
on radio weather and travel reports. Make sure you listen out for
broadcasts on your local radio station.
The Environment Agency provides the Floodline Service (0845 988
1188). You can listen to recorded flood warning information or
speak to an operator for general information and advice 24 hours a
day.
What does the council do?
The council’s duty is as follows:
- The council has no legal responsibility to provide assistance
to residents during times of flood, however the council has
provided emergency assistance on an ad hoc basis dependent upon
local knowledge and experience of the situation
- The council will provide general engineering advice on ways in
which residents can alleviate the risk of flooding to their
properties
- The council will assist with the dissemination of Environment
Agency flood warnings where appropriate
- Very serious flooding resulting in the need for evacuation of
houses, provision of temporary accommodation and the like is
included in the council's Civil Emergency Plan.
View the council's Flood
Guidance document.
For more information on the current flooding situation, visit
the Environment
Agency website.
Related links
For further information contact:
Corporate Health & Safety and Civil
Protection Unit
3rd Floor, Anchorage House
2 Clove Crescent
London E14 2BE
Tel: 020 7364 4192 (office hours only)
Out of office hours, contact Tower Hamlets council call centre:
0207 364 7070.