National flood forecasting and warning service
The Bureau's flood forecasting and warning service uses rainfall and streamflow observations, numerical weather predictions and hydrologic models to forecast and warn for possible flood events across Australia.
This information provides the basis for flood response by emergency services and other flood managers and is vital for water resource managers responding to large inflows of water into their dams and rivers.
The Bureau's national flood warning service is being enhanced to improve its accuracy and effectiveness. This will provide greater lead times for warnings and support more effective defence against flood damage.
Go to National Flood Warning - Rainfall and River Information.
What to do before, during and after a flood
For those living in areas subject to flooding, the effects of being unprepared can range from slight discomfort to devastation.
Sadly, some people in our community perish in floods. Because floods are a part of Australian culture, it can be easy to become complacent. However, much has been done by experienced emergency preparedness workers to mitigate the effects of floods.
This 28-page guide (815KB) has been prepared by experienced emergency workers to help people understand what to do before, during and after a flood.
It is the responsibility of all of us to see that where there is a risk of flood affecting life and property, we are well prepared before an event occurs. So take up the challenge that this booklet promotes – ask, learn, plan and prepare.
Your local State Emergency Service can provide additional information specific to your region and your needs.
National Arrangements for Flood Forecasting and Warning
The Bureau of Meteorology (the Bureau) is responsible for providing an effective flood forecasting and warning service in each Australian state and territory. This service is provided in cooperation with other organisations such as state and territory government, water and emergency management agencies, catchment authorities and local councils. The Bureau delivers this service through Flood Warning Centres and Regional Forecasting Centres in Bureau regional offices in each state and the Northern Territory.
The National Arrangements for Flood Forecasting and Warning focuses on riverine floods after heavy rainfall. This document was developed in response to recommendations that the roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, coming from the Queensland Flood Commission of Inquiry, the Victorian Floods Review and the Munro Review on the Bureau’s capacity to respond to future extreme weather and natural disaster events and to provide seasonal forecasting services.
The purpose of the National Arrangements is to provide the Australian public and key stakeholders with a summary of how the provision of flood forecasting and warning service is arranged nationally. The National Arrangements outline the general roles and responsibilities of each level of government in providing and supporting an effective flood warning service and includes separate chapters describing the specific arrangements and agency roles that apply in each jurisdiction.