Storm tide forecasting
The Storm Tide Forecasting Service provides advice on the effects weather may have on sea level and wave action. It is funded by the Environment Agency to help them assess flood risk and allowing them to issue timely warnings of coastal flooding to those who may be impacted.
- Set up after the east coast flooding disaster of 1953
- Operates a network of automated tide-gauges for vital real-time data
- Responsive and efficient with 24-hour coverage
- Provides a negative surge warning service for shipping
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Maritime & Coastguard Agency Services
In the UK, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is responsible for the provision of Maritime Safety Information (MSI) to ships at sea.
This includes:
- the Shipping Forecast;
- Gale Warnings;
- the Inshore Waters Forecast for coastal sailors.
The Met Office provides real-time monitoring and forecast services to support government departments and agencies to deliver their legislated responsibilities and public tasks.
Radar networks
The Weather Radar network covers the support and maintenance of the seven jointly owned weather radars (Met Office/Environment Agency) in England and Wales. By the end of 2008, the Met Office hopes to have a total of 19 weather radars operating in the UK, Jersey and Republic of Ireland. Radar data for the Republic of Ireland is supplied by Met Éireann in accordance with the regulations of ECOMET. The network generates high resolution (down to 1 km) radar data which is fed into models to give a detailed assessment of the impacts of rainfall events.
Heavy rainfall warning
The Met Office provides daily weather forecasts and heavy rainfall warnings that supplement the information provided under the radar arrangement and give advanced warning of situations that could require the Environment Agency to issue flood warnings.
Highways Agency (HA)
Our on-site consultant team provide the National Traffic Control (NTCC) and Highways Agency Regional Control Centres with advice on the likely impact of current and forecast weather up to 10 days in advance. Our consultants work as part of the Highways Agency team and are independent meteorologists supported by information from the Met Office.
We enable the Highways Agency (HA) to manage the Primary Trunk Road network and help them provide safer, event-free journeys and better informed drivers.