Difference between ‘Flood Watch’ and ‘Flood Warning’

Flood Watch

A ‘Flood Watch’ is issued when forecast rainfall information suggests that local and/or riverine flooding is possible across the Flood Watch area. A Flood Watch may cover a large area due to uncertainty associated with the location and amount of forecast rainfall. A flood watch may also make reference to the type of flooding that may be experienced in the catchment being highlighted.

Flood Warning

A ‘Flood Warning’ is issued when the Bureau is more certain that flooding is expected, often when rainfall has started to fall. Flood Warnings are more targeted and are issued for specific catchments or even sub-catchments in some of the larger river basins. Flood Warnings will generally include specific predictions of the severity of expected flooding.

Image: Flood Watch and Flood Warning (Bureau of Meteorology)

More information

To learn more about flood warning services visit the Bureau of Meteorology website.