The Council is informed by the Flood Forecasting Centre of any potential flood risks. The warning may be a:
- Flood Alert = Flooding possible, be aware.
- Flood Warning = Flooding expected, act now.
- Severe Flood Warning = Severe flooding expected and danger to life.
River flooding
Sirens, installed to warn of river flooding across the Upper Calder Valley, will be activated.
Keep informed
For up-to-date information on flood warnings in West Yorkshire is available:
- Visit: Flood warnings.
- Phone: 0345 988 1188 (Floodline).
Surface water flooding
In heavy rain and storm conditions (or after periods of prolonged rain) drainage systems can be overwhelmed. This is due to the run-off from roads and paths, which leads to flooding. This can happen very quickly and be difficult to predict.
We advise that you:
- Sign up to the Met Office's weather warning service for updates.
- Check your local flood group to get a better understanding of your local risk.
For advice on reducing the risk, visit: Met Office website.
Reservoir flooding
If there is a reservoir emergency, you may be alerted in one or more of the following ways:
- Emergency services in your area may knock on your door or use a loudhailer system. You may be given an evacuation card which will give you specific advice about where you should go;
- Helicopter Skyshout (public address system) warnings may be given;
- Local television and radio news alerts.
Note: In the very rare case that a reservoir breaches unexpectedly there may be no time to issue a warning.