The Historic Flood Map is a GIS layer showing the maximum extent of individual Recorded Flood Outlines from river, the sea and groundwater springs that meet a set criteria. It shows areas of land that have previously been subject to flooding in England. This excludes flooding from surface water, except in areas where it is impossible to determine whether the source is fluvial or surface water but the dominant source is fluvial.

The majority of records began in 1946 when predecessor bodies to the Environment Agency started collecting detailed information about flooding incidents, although we hold limited details about flooding incidents prior to this date.

If an area is not covered by the Historic Flood Map it does not mean that the area has never flooded, only that we do not currently have records of flooding in this area that meet the criteria for inclusion. It is also possible that the pattern of flooding in this area has changed and that this area would now flood or not flood under different circumstances. Outlines that don’t meet this criteria are stored in the Recorded Flood Outlines dataset.

The Historic Flood Map takes into account the presence of defences, structures, and other infrastructure where they existed at the time of flooding. It will include flood extents that may have been affected by overtopping, breaches or blockages.

Flooding is shown to the land and does not necessarily indicate that properties were flooded internally.

PLEASE NOTE: This dataset has been retired. It has been superseded by https://environment.data.gov.uk/dataset/04532375-a198-476e-985e-0579a0a11b47. Links to this data will be removed after April 2025. We encourage users to download this Flood Zones dataset if you would like to retain a comparison ability beyond this date.

The Flood Map for Planning (Rivers and Sea) includes several layers of information. This dataset covers Flood Zone 2 and should not be used without Flood Zone 3. It is our best estimate of the areas of land at risk of flooding, when the presence of flood defences are ignored and covers land between Zone 3 and the extent of the flooding from rivers or the sea with a 1 in 1000 (0.1%) chance of flooding each year. This dataset also includes those areas defined in Flood Zone 3.

This dataset is designed to support flood risk assessments in line with Planning Practice Guidance ; and raise awareness of the likelihood of flooding to encourage people living and working in areas prone to flooding to find out more and take appropriate action.

The information provided is largely based on modelled data and is therefore indicative rather than specific. Locations may also be at risk from other sources of flooding, such as high groundwater levels, overland run off from heavy rain, or failure of infrastructure such as sewers and storm drains.

The information indicates the flood risk to areas of land and is not sufficiently detailed to show whether an individual property is at risk of flooding, therefore properties may not always face the same chance of flooding as the areas that surround them. This is because we do not hold details about properties and their floor levels. Information on flood depth, speed or volume of flow is not included.

The Flood Map for Planning (Rivers and Sea) includes several layers of information. This dataset covers Flood Zone 2 and should not be used without Flood Zone 3. It is our best estimate of the areas of land at risk of flooding, when the presence of flood defences are ignored and covers land between Zone 3 and the extent of the flooding from rivers or the sea with a 1 in 1000 (0.1%) chance of flooding each year. This dataset also includes those areas defined in Flood Zone 3.This dataset is designed to support flood risk assessments in line with Planning Practice Guidance ; and raise awareness of the likelihood of flooding to encourage people living and working in areas prone to flooding to find out more and take appropriate action.The information provided is largely based on modelled data and is therefore indicative rather than specific. Locations may also be at risk from other sources of flooding, such as high groundwater levels, overland run off from heavy rain, or failure of infrastructure such as sewers and storm drains.The information indicates the flood risk to areas of land and is not sufficiently detailed to show whether an individual property is at risk of flooding, therefore properties may not always face the same chance of flooding as the areas that surround them. This is because we do not hold details about properties and their floor levels. Information on flood depth, speed or volume of flow is not included.NOTE: We have paused quarterly updates of this dataset. Please visit the “Pause to Updates of Flood Risk Maps” announcement on our support pages for further information. We will provide notifications on the Flood Map for Planning website to indicate where we have new flood risk information. Other data related to the Flood Map for Planning will continue to be updated, including data relating to flood history, flood defences, and water storage areas.Defra Network WMS server provided by the Environment Agency

The Flood Map for Planning (Rivers and Sea) includes several layers of information. This dataset covers Water Storage Areas. It shows those areas that act as a balancing reservoir, storage basin or balancing pond. Their purpose is to attenuate an incoming flood peak to a flow level that can be accepted by the downstream channel. It may also delay the timing of a flood peak so that its volume is discharged over a longer time interval. We have assumed that water storage areas act perfectly and give the same level of protection as when our assessment of the area was carried out. Water storage areas do not completely remove the chance of flooding and can be overtopped or fail in extreme weather conditions.

This dataset is designed to raise awareness of the likelihood of flooding and to encourage people living and working in areas prone to flooding to find out more and take appropriate action.

Indicative Flood Risk Areas generated using the Environment Agency's Communities at Risk Approach. This information is provided by the Environment Agency for use by LLFAs in their review during 2017 of Preliminary Flood Risk Assessments and Flood Risk Areas under the Flood Risk Areas. It must be used in conjunction with data for Indicative Flood Risk Areas generated by the Environment Agency using the cluster method as well. The Indicative Flood Risk Areas are primarily based on an aggregated 1km square grid Updated Flood Map for Surface Water (1 in 100 and 1000 annual probability rainfall), informally referred to as the “blue square map”. Defra Network WMS server provided by the Environment Agency

Links to some of the Environment Agency Web Map Services (WMS) available. • EA Historic Flood Map • EA Flood Zone 3 • EA Flood Zone 2 • EA Flood Warning Areas

This is the simplified version of the outline Reservoir Flood Map Outline (Extent) as shown on the Environment Agency website. Simplified in this context refers to the fact that unlike the detailed product, individual reservoir flood map extents are not shown separately, and one merged outline shows the maximum flood extent for all reservoir flooding scenarios together.

This is a data layer showing a combined reservoir flood map for 2,092 Large Raised Reservoirs. The data shows the maximum extent of flood should reservoirs be breached, and although the location of each reservoir can be inferred they are not explicitly shown on the maps. The Reservoir Flood Map Maximum Flood Outline (Extent) in its simplified form is referred to externally as Risk of Flooding from Reservoirs – Maximum Flood Extent.

The Reservoir Flood Map Outline (Extent) shows the largest area that might be flooded if a reservoir were to fail and release the water it holds. Since this is a prediction of a credible worst case scenario, it’s unlikely that any actual flood would be this large. These data are intended for emergency planning only and are not reliable for large scale flood risk assessments.

Please note that only flood maps for large reservoirs are displayed. Flood maps are not displayed for smaller reservoirs or for reservoirs commissioned after reservoir mapping began in spring 2009.

Information Warning: The Maximum extent category is available under the standard OGL terms when supplied as a WMS. This excludes the underlying data. Attribution statement: © Environment Agency copyright and/or database right 2019. All rights reserved.

This dataset is not suitable for identifying whether an individual property will flood.This dataset is one output of our Risk of Flooding from Surface Water (RoFSW) mapping, previously known as the updated Flood Map for Surface Water (uFMfSW). It is one of a group of datasets previously available as the uFMfSW Complex Package. Further information on using these datasets can be found through the DEFRA Data Services Platform link below. Information Warnings: Risk of Flooding from Surface Water is not to be used at property level. If the Content is displayed in map form to others we recommend it should not be used with basemapping more detailed than 1:10,000 as the data is open to misinterpretation if used as a more detailed scale. Because of the way they have been produced and the fact that they are indicative, the maps are not appropriate to act as the sole evidence for any specific planning or regulatory decision or assessment of risk in relation to flooding at any scale without further supporting studies or evidence. Additional Links:DEFRA Data Services Platform- containing download linksRisk of flooding from Surface Water Extent 3.3% WMS

Risk of Flooding from Surface Water (RoFSW) map is an assessment of where surface water flooding may occur when rainwater does not drain away through the normal drainage systems or soak into the ground, but lies on or flows over the ground instead. It includes information about flooding extents and depths. It is produced using national scale modelling and enhanced with compatible, locally produced modelling from lead local flood authorities (LLFAs).

RoFSW is a probabilistic product, meaning that it shows the overall risk, rather than the risk associated with a specific event or scenario. In externally published versions of this dataset, risk is displayed as one of three likelihood bandings:

High - greater than or equal to 3.3% chance in any given year (1 in 30)
Medium - less than 3.3% (1 in 30) but greater than or equal to 1% (1 in 100) chance in any given year
Low - less than 1% (1 in 100) chance in any given year

NB. This is a complex dataset, with preview available only on certain zoom levels. The Web Mapping service has been set to 1:50 000 in the

The Flood Map for Planning Service includes several layers of information. This includes the Flood Zones data which shows the extent of land at present day risk of flooding from rivers and the sea, ignoring the benefits of defences, for the following scenarios:

• Flood Zone 1 – Land having a less than 0.1% (1 in 1000) annual probability of flooding. • Flood Zone 2 – Land having between 0.1% - 1% (1 in 100 to 1 in 1000) annual probability of flooding from rivers or between 0.1% - 0.5% (1 in 200 to 1 in 1000) annual probability of flooding from the sea, and accepted recorded flood outlines . • Flood Zone 3 – Areas shown to be at a 1% (1 in 100) or greater annual probability of flooding from rivers or 0.5% (1 in 200) or greater annual probability of flooding from the sea.

Flood Zone 1 is not shown in this dataset, but covers all areas not contained within Flood Zones 2 and 3. Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) use the Flood Zones to determine if they must consult the Environment Agency on planning applications. They are also used to determine if development is incompatible and whether development is subject to the exception test. The Flood Zones are one of several flood risk datasets used to determine the need for planning applications to be supported by a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) and subject to the sequential test.

The Flood Zones are a composite dataset including national and local modelled data, and information from past floods.

The Flood Zones are designed to only give an indication of flood risk to an area of land and are not suitable for showing whether an individual property is at risk of flooding. This is because we cannot know all the details about each property.

North Rhine-Westphalia has been making considerable efforts for many years to protect people, the environment, economic and cultural goods from the dangers of flooding. In addition to structural measures, the mapping of risks, the information of the affected citizens, precautionary planning and flood-oriented development planning are of central importance. By 2015, flood risk management plans will be developed in North Rhine-Westphalia for all areas where significant flood damage can occur. The aim of the new plans is to inform about existing hazards and to capture and coordinate actions from different actors in order to reduce and manage flood-related risks to human health, the environment, infrastructure and property. The basis for this is the EC Flood Risk Assessment and Management Directive (EC-HWRM-RL), which entered into force on 26 November 2007. The aim of the Directive was adopted by the Federal Government in the amendment to the Water Budget Act (WHG) (in force since 1 March 2010). The following steps are foreseen to implement the WHG: Until December 2011: Preliminary assessment and definition of areas where floods may pose a significant risk to human health, the environment, cultural heritage, economic activities or material assets (so-called risk areas). Until December 2013: Preparation of flood hazard and risk maps for these areas. Flood risk maps are drawn up on the basis of flood hazard maps for the same flood scenarios. In addition to the flood hazards (extension of floods), the flood-related adverse effects (e.g. the number of inhabitants concerned, affected residential or protected areas, endangered cultural objects) are to be presented.

PLEASE NOTE: This record has been retired. It has been superseded by: https://environment.data.gov.uk/dataset/b5aaa28d-6eb9-460e-8d6f-43caa71fbe0e

This dataset is not suitable for identifying whether an individual property will flood. GIS layer showing the extent of flooding from surface water that could result from a flood with a 3.3% chance of happening in any given year. This dataset is one output of our Risk of Flooding from Surface Water (RoFSW) mapping, previously known as the updated Flood Map for Surface Water (uFMfSW). It is one of a group of datasets previously available as the uFMfSW Complex Package. Further information on using these datasets can be found at the Resource Locator link below. Information Warnings: Risk of Flooding from Surface Water is not to be used at property level. If the Content is displayed in map form to others we recommend it should not be used with basemapping more detailed than 1:10,000 as the data is open to misinterpretation if used as a more detailed scale. Because of the way they have been produced and the fact that they are indicative, the maps are not appropriate to act as the sole evidence for any specific planning or regulatory decision or assessment of risk in relation to flooding at any scale without further supporting studies or evidence.

Tables of areas in which a hazard of a certain type under a certain scenario causes a rise of water the height of which is within a fixed range of values. Spatial data set produced by the GIS Flooding Directive of... and mapped for reporting purposes for the European Flood Directive. European Directive 2007/60/EC of 23 October 2007 on the assessment and management of flood risks (OJ L 288, 06-11-2007, p. 27) influences the flood prevention strategy in Europe. It requires the production of a flood risk management plan aimed at reducing the negative consequences of flooding on human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity. The objectives and requirements for achievement are given by the Law of 12 July 2010 on the National Commitment for the Environment (LENE) and the Decree of 2 March 2011. Within this framework, the primary objective of the mapping of flood areas and flood risks for IRRs is to contribute, by homogenising and objecting knowledge of the exposure of issues to floods, to the development of Flood Risk Management Plans (IFMPs). This dataset is used to produce flood surface maps and flood risk maps that represent flood hazards and issues on an appropriate scale, respectively. Their objective is to provide quantitative elements to assess the vulnerability of a territory more accurately for the three levels of flood probability (high, medium, low).Tables of areas in which a hazard of a certain type under a certain scenario causes a rise of water the height of which is within a fixed range of values.

Spatial data set produced by the GIS Flooding Directive of... and mapped for reporting purposes for the European Flood Directive. European Directive 2007/60/EC of 23 October 2007 on the assessment and management of flood risks (OJ L 288, 06-11-2007, p. 27) influences the flood prevention strategy in Europe. It requires the production of a flood risk management plan aimed at reducing the negative consequences of flooding on human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity. The objectives and requirements for achievement are given by the Law of 12 July 2010 on the National Commitment for the Environment (LENE) and the Decree of 2 March 2011.Within this framework, the primary objective of the mapping of flood areas and flood risks for IRRs is to contribute, by homogenising and objecting knowledge of the exposure of issues to floods, to the development of Flood Risk Management Plans (IFMPs). This dataset is used to produce flood surface maps and flood risk maps that represent flood hazards and issues on an appropriate scale, respectively. Their objective is to provide quantitative elements to assess the vulnerability of a territory more accurately for the three levels of flood probability (high, medium, low).Tables of areas in which a hazard of a certain type under a certain scenario causes a rise of water the height of which is within a fixed range of values.

Spatial data set produced by the GIS Flooding Directive of... and mapped for reporting purposes for the European Flood Directive. European Directive 2007/60/EC of 23 October 2007 on the assessment and management of flood risks (OJ L 288, 06-11-2007, p. 27) influences the flood prevention strategy in Europe. It requires the production of a flood risk management plan aimed at reducing the negative consequences of flooding on human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity. The objectives and requirements for achievement are given by the Law of 12 July 2010 on the National Commitment for the Environment (LENE) and the Decree of 2 March 2011. Within this framework, the primary objective of the mapping of flood areas and flood risks for IRRs is to contribute, by homogenising and objecting knowledge of the exposure of issues to floods, to the development of Flood Risk Management Plans (IFMPs). This dataset is used to produce flood surface maps and flood risk maps that represent flood hazards and issues on an appropriate scale, respectively. Their objective is to provide quantitative elements to assess the vulnerability of a territory more accurately for the three levels of flood probability (high, medium, low).

This data shows the individual flood extents for all large raised reservoirs in the event that they were to fail and release the water held on a “wet day” when local rivers had already overflowed their banks.

It represents a prediction of a credible worst case scenario, however it’s unlikely that any actual flood would be this large. The data gives no indication of likelihood or probability of reservoir flooding.

Flood extents are not included for smaller reservoirs or for reservoirs commissioned after the reservoir modelling programme began in October 2016.

PLEASE NOTE: This record has been retired. It has been superseded by: https://environment.data.gov.uk/dataset/b5aaa28d-6eb9-460e-8d6f-43caa71fbe0e

This dataset is not suitable for identifying whether an individual property will flood. GIS layer showing the maximum depth of flooding from surface water that could result from a flood with a 0.1% chance of happening in any given year. The flood depth is grouped into 6 bands. NB: the maximum depth may not happen at the same time as the maximum speed of flow. This dataset is one output of our Risk of Flooding from Surface Water (RoFSW) mapping, previously known as the updated Flood Map for Surface Water (uFMfSW). It is one of a group of datasets previously available as the uFMfSW Complex Package. Further information on using these datasets can be found at the Resource Locator link below. Information Warnings: Risk of Flooding from Surface Water is not to be used at property level. If the Content is displayed in map form to others we recommend it should not be used with basemapping more detailed than 1:10,000 as the data is open to misinterpretation if used as a more detailed scale. Because of the way they have been produced and the fact that they are indicative, the maps are not appropriate to act as the sole evidence for any specific planning or regulatory decision or assessment of risk in relation to flooding at any scale without further supporting studies or evidence.

PLEASE NOTE: This record has been retired. It has been superseded by: https://environment.data.gov.uk/dataset/96ab4342-82c1-4095-87f1-0082e8d84ef1 This record is for Approval for Access product AfA379. Previously known as NaFRA Spatial Flood Likelihood Category Grid (Internal). This is a national assessment of flood risk for England produced using local expertise.

The dataset shows the chance of flooding from rivers and/or the sea, based on cells of 50m. Each cell is allocated one of four flood risk categories, taking into account flood defences and their condition. No more detailed resolution is provided.

North Rhine-Westphalia has been making considerable efforts for many years to protect people, the environment, economic and cultural goods from the dangers of flooding. In addition to structural measures, the mapping of risks, the information of the affected citizens, precautionary planning and flood-oriented development planning are of central importance. By 2015, flood risk management plans will be developed in North Rhine-Westphalia for all areas where significant flood damage can occur. The aim of the new plans is to inform about existing hazards and to capture and coordinate actions from different actors in order to reduce and manage flood-related risks to human health, the environment, infrastructure and property. The basis for this is the EC Flood Risk Assessment and Management Directive (EC-HWRM-RL), which entered into force on 26 November 2007. The aim of the Directive was adopted by the Federal Government in the amendment to the Water Budget Act (WHG) (in force since 1 March 2010). The following steps are foreseen to implement the WHG: Until December 2011: Preliminary assessment and definition of areas where floods may pose a significant risk to human health, the environment, cultural heritage, economic activities or material assets (so-called risk areas). Until December 2013: Preparation of flood hazard and risk maps for these areas. Flood hazard maps provide information about the possible extent and depth of flooding. The local flood situation is represented for an extreme flood, for a 100-year event and also for a frequent flood event.

This data shows the individual flood extents for all large raised reservoirs in the event that they were to fail and release the water held on a “dry day” when local rivers are at normal levels.

It represents a prediction of a credible worst case scenario, however it’s unlikely that any actual flood would be this large. The data gives no indication of the likelihood or probability of reservoir flooding.

Flood extents are not included for smaller reservoirs or for reservoirs commissioned after the reservoir modelling programme began in October 2016.

This record is for Approval for Access product AfA055. Flood Alert Areas are geographical areas where it is possible for flooding of low-lying land and roads to occur from rivers, sea and in some locations groundwater. A single Flood Alert Area may cover the floodplain within the Flood Warning Service Limit of multiple catchments of similar characteristics. A Flood Alert Area may contain one or more Flood Warning Areas. In some coastal locations a Flood Alert may be issued for spray or overtopping and be defined by a stretch of coastline.

A Flood Alert is issued to warn people of the possibility of flooding and encourage them to be alert, stay vigilant and make early / low impact preparations for flooding. Flood Alerts are issued earlier than Flood Warnings to provide advance notice of the possibility of flooding and may be issued when there is less confidence that flooding will occur in a Food Warning Area. Flood Warnings Areas (established to apply to discrete communities) are available in AfA054.

INFORMATION WARNING: The groundwater flood alert areas are either at a community/local scale, or where this is not possible are more generalised and based on other factors, such as geology and counties. In general, specialists used the national groundwater dataset to make a comparison with historical maps and bedrock geology to create the groundwater flood alert areas. Additional data sources, including groundwater susceptibility maps, borehole data, local modelling and LiDAR may also have been used depending on the location of the area.

This dataset was last updated on July 9th 2025.

This record is for Approval for Access product AfA345.

The Environment Agency's (EA) Spatial Flood defences layer is the only comprehensive and up-to-date dataset in England that shows flood defences currently owned, managed or inspected by the EA.

Flood defences can be structures, buildings or parts of buildings. Typically these are earth banks, stone and concrete walls, or sheet-piling that is used to prevent or control the extent of flooding.

A defence is any asset that provides flood defence or coastal protection functions. This includes both man-made and natural defences. Natural defences may include man-made elements to make them more effective or protect them from erosion. Normally a number of assets will be used together to manage the risk in a particular area, working in combination within a risk management system.

PLEASE NOTE: This data is updated daily. This is a large dataset and depending on the chosen download format, it may take 7-8 minutes to download the full national dataset.