Local Flood Forecasting
High-quality, location-specific forecasts. Combining radar, models, and forecast rainfall data.
What is our Local Flood Forecasting service?
Our local forecasting service provides high-quality predictions for specific locations and assets. It couples carefully calibrated models with forecast rainfall data to give the best possible prediction at different lead times. A few hours ahead of an event, it uses a rainfall-radar-based rainfall forecast; longer lead times are served by a probabilistic rainfall forecast. Observed data from rain and river gauges are used to improve predictions.
We use purpose-specific models for each application, for example:
- Rainfall-runoff (RR) models for simple flow predictions
- Reservoir models (fed by RR models) for storage assets
- River models (fed by RR models) for networks or hydraulic assets
- Machine learning tools (like long short-term memory – LSTM) where data allows
- Coastal models – tide, storm surge and wave modelling
- Can be used in combination with Flood Foresight for impact-based forecasting.
Users see their forecast in a mobile-friendly Web App and can be alerted by email/SMS at configurable thresholds.
How can our Local Flood Forecasting service help you?
Our forecasts help anyone who needs to know how river flow or level will impact their asset. For example:
Canal and River Trust
The Canal and River Trust use the information to safely manage capital works at six of their reservoirs (including Toddbrook at Whaley Bridge).
River Rother
JBA Bentley uses our app to plan critical in-channel work on the River Rother, where a siphon diverts flow around a cofferdam. Our alerts help them remove equipment in the channel in periods of high flow.
Who is it for?
Our forecasting service provides the best available information in an intuitive format, taking into account spatial errors in rainfall predictions. New locations can be integrated quickly, with simple flow forecasts added in as little as four weeks. Users have the flexibility to manage alerts for their assets, choosing to receive notifications via SMS or email. Our adaptable modelling approach allows for forecasts of nearly any water asset, scaling from straightforward flow predictions to complex networks and hydraulic systems. We are also open to exploring innovative ideas; forecasts need not be limited to water-based models. Any system influenced by rainfall, such as ground conditions or slope stability, can benefit from our forecasting capabilities. Additionally, our service is available on a subscription basis, making it accessible and cost-effective for users.
JBA’s Local Forecasting Service is powered by Delft-FEWS. The same system is used by many flood forecasting agencies around the world, including the Environment Agency, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, and Natural Resources Wales.
