Published on: 30.1.2020

Information produced by Flood Centre

The Flood Centre

The Flood Centre, a joint service provided by the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the Finnish Environment Institute, forecasts floods and issues flood warnings.

The Flood Centre maintains a continuous preparedness by monitoring the hydrological situation of rivers and lakes and sea levels as well as observing the accumulation and melting of snow and heavy rains. Based on the data it collects, the Flood Centre produces hydrological and flood maps as well as issues hydrological situation bulletins and flood warnings.

The Flood Centre works closely together with the Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centres) and rescue departments. The different parties come together at video conferences to discuss the current situational picture.

More frequent meetings are held whenever a flood hazard is becoming acute. The municipalities in a flood risk area, hydropower companies and other relevant parties also participate in the meetings, where they are kept up to date on the latest weather and flood forecasts as well as the estimated impacts of floods.

The forecasts and impact assessments allow the authorities to prepare in time and take action to reduce flood damages. Citizens are also warned of imminent floods.