Emergency responders — and ultimately vulnerable communities and businesses — across Scotland can look forward to better flood forecasting thanks to the development of the Scottish Flood Forecasting Service.

The Scottish Government have announced funding of £750,000 to improve flood forecasting services in Scotland, through a partnership between the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Met Office.

Phil Evans, Director of Government Services at the Met Office said: “This partnership between SEPA and the Met Office, supported by the Scottish Government, will enhance flood resilience in Scotland. The Met Office and our weather forecasting team at Aberdeen are delighted to be supporting this new service.”

The Met Office plays a crucial role in providing advice across a range of natural hazards, including forecasts for volcanic ash, radioactive emergencies, tidal surges, pollution incidents and airborne spread of diseases, such as bluetongue. The Scottish Flood Forecasting Service is another example of our value in providing early warnings across a range of hazards.

Phil Evans continued: “The Scottish Government’s investment in the Scottish Flood Forecasting Service, will allow SEPA’s expertise in flood warnings and advice to be brought together with the Met Office’s experience in weather and other environmental hazards to ensure Scotland has the best advice possible