Flooding in Europe is increasing
Extreme rainfall and sudden flooding are occurring in more and more parts of Europe. Warmer air can hold more moisture, making heavy showers more intense and causing sewers, streets, basements, and buildings to come under pressure more quickly. The impact varies by country, region, and even by street, but the trend is the same everywhere: flooding increasingly requires preparation rather than just damage repair.
Flooding is local
Whether a home or business is at risk depends not only on the weather. Elevation differences, paving, sewer capacity, street location, and proximity to water also play a major role. That is why the risk can vary greatly within a single city or municipality. For this reason, it is wise not only to look at general weather forecasts but also at maps and warnings for your own region.
Where can you view flooding in your region?
In many European countries, official maps and warning systems are available. Some mainly show current warnings, while others also provide insight into structural risk or possible water depth during heavy rain. Availability and level of detail vary by country.
Netherlands
For the Netherlands, the Climate Effect Atlas is a good starting point. This map viewer gives a first impression of how vulnerable areas are to, among other things, flooding, inundation, drought, and heat. The atlas contains maps for the entire Netherlands and is specifically designed for local zooming.
Germany
For Germany, there are two important official sources. The Cross-State Flood Portal bundles current flood warnings, reports, precipitation radar, and references to the German federal states. Additionally, the Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy publishes a nationwide Heavy Rain Hazard Map, intended as a basis for insight into risks from extreme rainfall. For acute warnings, Warnung.bund is also relevant.
France
For France, Vigicrues is the main official source for flood information on the major river systems. The platform works with national and regional warning levels and publishes information at least twice a day. Additionally, Géorisques shows which natural and technological risks are relevant at a location or in an area. For rain and flood warnings at the departmental level, the Vigilance of Météo-France is also important.
Europe-wide
For a broader European overview, there are also European sources. The European Flood Awareness System (EFAS) provides European overviews of ongoing and expected floods. Additionally, the EU Flood Risk Areas Viewer shows which areas have been designated by member states as areas with potentially significant flood risk. However, countries use different methods, so direct comparisons between countries are not always meaningful.
How can you best assess your risk?
The best approach is to combine two things:
- a current warning for rain, high water, or flooding,
- and a map or viewer that shows how sensitive your street, neighborhood, or region is.
This way, you get not only an answer to whether bad weather is coming but also whether your location is especially vulnerable. This difference is especially important for homes with low thresholds, basement stairs, garages, or wide openings.
Why preparation is important
Flooding often occurs quickly. As soon as water enters, damage and stress increase immediately. Therefore, preparation is usually more effective than reacting at the last moment. By knowing how vulnerable your location is, you can decide earlier whether extra protection is needed for doors, garage openings, or other low entrances.
Practical tip
Don’t just look at the general weather forecast; also check the official map or warning service for your region. Pay particular attention to low entrances, basement stairs, garage doors, and street-side doors. Damage often starts there first.
Want to know if your opening is at extra risk?
Are you unsure whether your front door, back door, basement stairs, or garage opening is especially vulnerable during heavy rain or temporary high water? Upload a photo of the opening or contact us for advice on the most suitable solution.