BOM Flash Flood Advisory Resource (FLARE)
10th November 2016
In Australia, flash floods are generally defined as those floods that occur within six hours of rain, and are characterised by rapid rises in water levels.
Due to the short lead times associated with flash flood, quick and effective response is required at the local level. For this reason, the responsibility for local flash flood warning sits with state and territory agencies in partnership with local councils (where appropriate).
The Flash Flood Advisory Resource (FLARE), from the Bureau of Meteorology, is an authoritative resource created to assist agencies with flash flood warning responsibilities – including local councils, emergency services and other state and territory government agencies – to design, implement and manage fit-for-purpose flash flood warning systems.
FLARE's goal is to create a community of practice to share valuable knowledge and experience between agencies responsible for flash flood warning.
Co-ordinated by the Bureau, FLARE includes a registered user website with a wide range of resources such case studies, interactive forums, and standards and guidelines, as well as a telephone/email advisory service for agency staff to be able to access Bureau advice directly.
FLARE does not provide a flash flood warning or an operational service during flash flood events.
Email flare.support@bom.gov.au to register interest in access to FLARE.
