Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins called on the public to prepare themselves, their families and their homes for severe weather ahead of winter, in an announcement published on 8 October 2026 by the Department for Infrastructure. Flood Awareness Week runs from 12 to 18 October, during which the department said it would share practical advice on staying safe and reducing the impact of flooding1. On 13 October the department said it proposes to develop a Flood Forecasting Service for the North, subject to necessary Business Case approvals2.
The department said around 45,000 homes and businesses are in areas at risk of flooding today across the North, and that the cost of damage to a property can be tens of thousands of pounds1. In its later announcement it said that with climate change increasing the likelihood of more frequent and intense rainfall events, this number is projected to increase2. It said it is currently the only jurisdiction on these islands without a national flood forecasting service, and that implementation would be phased, with improvements rolled out over the next decade2.
On the weather outlook, the department said its long-range forecast suggests an increased chance of a wetter than average winter, bringing a greater likelihood of periods of heavy rain. It also referred to the developing El Niño climate phenomenon, expected to influence global weather patterns until it passes in early spring1. Dr Will Lang, Met Office Chief Meteorologist, said El Niño is one of several factors influencing the UK's weather and is only part of a bigger picture, with North Atlantic patterns also significant. He said seasonal forecasts indicate broad trends rather than predicting exactly when or where impactful weather may occur, and that staying up to date with the latest forecasts and any Met Office weather warnings can help people, communities and businesses prepare1.
"Preparing before a flood, and knowing what to do if it happens, can significantly reduce its impact."
The department said its Duty and Flooding Officer Rota operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It said it would continue to inspect and manage existing watercourses and critical drainage infrastructure, advance flood alleviation schemes, monitor river networks and work with communities to strengthen resilience1. Joan McCaffrey, Joint Chair of the Regional Community Resilience Group, said the provision of a Flood Forecasting Service would build on recent work with communities and partner organisations to strengthen flood awareness and preparedness2. The department directed the public to www.nidirect.gov.uk/flooding for information on being ready for flooding1.
Why it matters for households
The figures cover homes and businesses in areas at risk of flooding across the North, and the department says that number is projected to increase1. The department's advice is that preparing before a flood, and knowing what to do if one happens, can significantly reduce its impact, and that simple steps taken now can help protect people, properties and communities1. The Met Office position, as given by Dr Lang, is that seasonal forecasts show broad trends rather than exactly when or where severe weather will occur, and that following the latest forecasts and warnings helps households prepare1. The department has not, in these announcements, set out specific steps for households beyond pointing to its flooding information page1.
What happens next
Flood Awareness Week runs from 12 to 18 October, with the department providing information and advice during the week1. The Flood Forecasting Service proposal is subject to Business Case approvals and a programme of detailed planning and scrutiny before work commences; implementation would be phased over the next decade2. No start date for the service has been reported.
Households can read the site's Flooding: A Household Guide and its explanation of Flood Alerts, Flood Warnings and Severe Flood Warnings, alongside guidance on what to do during a flood at home, flood doors and flood windows, property flood resilience grants and home insurance in a flood risk area and Flood Re.
Sources (2)
- Minister Kimmins calls on public to get Flood Aware during Flood Awareness Week | Department for Infrastructure, infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
- Minister Kimmins outlines proposal to develop the North’s first Flood Forecasting Service as Flood Awareness Week begins | Department for Infrastructure, infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
