Rapid Flood Guidance Service Extended for 2026 to 2028
The Flood Forecasting Centre (FFC) has announced the continuation of its Rapid Flood Guidance (RFG) service for an additional three years, covering 2026, 2027, and 2028. This decision follows a new financial commitment from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Details of the Upcoming Service
Set to commence on 6 May 2026 and lasting until mid-October, the RFG service offers timely updates about flooding risks in England and Wales. This service aims to complement the existing Flood Guidance Statement (FGS) by providing:
- An advisory badge on the FGS for days when a heightened flooding risk is present
- Specific RFG updates during periods of increased flood threat
Endorsement from FFC Leadership
Russell Turner, Head of the FFC, expressed his satisfaction with the service’s extension, highlighting the importance of reliable flood guidance during high-risk periods. He noted that the funding assures continuous support for responders tasked with safeguarding communities, allowing them to access essential information promptly.
A Service in Transition
This investment follows a successful pilot of the RFG service in 2024, which transitioned to an operational service in 2025. The data collected during the 2025 season, running from 2 June to 17 October, illustrated significant engagement:
- 2,450 responders opted into the service, an increase from 1,700 in 2024
- The RFG badge was used on the FGS on 17 separate days
- RFG updates were communicated on 10 days, resulting in 19 notifications downloaded over 6,200 times
Improvements made for 2025 were based on user feedback and included:
- The option for responders to subscribe based on local authority areas for a more customized experience
- Adjustments to the criteria for issuing RFG alerts, reducing unnecessary notifications
- A faster production system for issuing alerts
What to Expect for 2026
Responders registered for the 2025 service will automatically remain enrolled for 2026 and will receive notifications about the forthcoming service. They can also update their preferences at any time.
New users interested in the RFG can register for updates via email or text, allowing for a tailored approach to receiving flood alerts.
For those who prefer not to opt for notifications, the RFG is accessible through the Met Office’s Hazard Manager platform.
Context of the RFG Service
The RFG service has been developed as part of the Surface Water Flood Forecasting Improvement Project (SWFFIP), which aims to enhance forecasting capabilities and improve community safety amid rising incidents of flooding in the UK.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/rapid-flood-guidance-service-to-continue-until-2028
