River Witham Flood Warning Service improvements

Our Flood Resilience Team has made improvements to the Flood Warning Service for communities along the River Witham between Lincoln and Boston.

From now on, flood warnings will be issued for either a breach or overtopping scenario. Traditionally Flood Warnings are issued when overtopping is expected to affect property. It will now be possible to let communities know about a breach as soon as we become aware.

The existing five fluvial Flood Warning Areas for the River Witham have been divided into 21 smaller areas to make warnings more specific. Six additional Flood Warning Areas have also been created for places that are not at risk from overtopping but could still be affected if a breach happened. These changes, going live this month, will make warnings timelier and reduce false alarms for those unlikely to be affected.

To sign up for flood warnings, go to www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188. You can also check current flood warnings and river levels at www.gov.uk/check-flooding.

The team is also trying out a new way to raise awareness about flood risks with Flood Ready Eddie, an interactive AI chatbot. Residents in the Lower Witham can 'chat' with Eddie by scanning a QR code or sending a text, to learn how to stay safe and prepared.

If you’d like more details about the changes in your area or can help spread the word about Flood Ready Eddie through social media, newsletters, or postcards, please contact the Flood Resilience Team at frt.lincsandnorthants@environment-agency.gov.uk

A fish character Flood Ready Eddie, your virtual assistant to help you be prepared for flooding. He can help you find out how to sign up for flood warnings, monitor river levels online, put an emergency bag together and much more. Scan the QR code or text 'Hello Lower Witham' +447454313667.Lower Witham Flood Ready Eddie