Abstract:This data shows the modelled extent of land that might be flooded by rivers (fluvial flooding) during a theoretical or ‘design’ flood event with an estimated probability of occurrence, rather than information for actual floods that have occurred in the past.

Flood event probabilities are referred to in terms of a percentage Annual Exceedance Probability, or ‘AEP’. This represents the probability of an event of this, or greater, severity occurring in any given year. These probabilities may also be expressed as odds (e.g. 100 to 1) of the event occurring in any given year. They are also commonly referred to in terms of a return period (e.g. the 100-year flood), although this period is not the length of time that will elapse between two such events occurring, as, although unlikely, two very severe events may occur within a short space of time. The following sets out a range of flood event probabilities for which fluvial and coastal flood maps are typically developed;

5% Annual Exceedance Probability which can also be expressed as the 20 Year Return Period and as 20:1 odds of occurrence in any given year.

1% (Medium Probability) Annual Exceedance Probability which can also be expressed as the 100 Year Return Period and as 100:1 odds of occurrence in any given year.

0.1% (Low Probability) Annual Exceedance Probability which can also be expressed as the 1000 Year Return Period and as 1000:1 odds of occurrence in any given year.

The Mid-Range Future Scenario extents where generated taking in the potential effects of climate change using an increase in rainfall of 20%. Data has been produced for catchments greater than 5km2 in areas for which flood maps were not produced under the National CFRAM Programme and should be read in this context. River reaches that have been modelled are indicated by the NIFM Modelled River Centrelines dataset.

Flooding from other reaches of river may occur, but has not been mapped, and so areas that are not shown as being within a flood extent may therefore be at risk of flooding from unmodelled rivers (as well as from other sources).

The purpose of the Flood Maps is not to designate individual properties or point locations at risk of flooding, or to replace a detailed site-specific flood risk assessment.

Purpose: The data has been developed to inform a national assessment of flood risk that in turn will inform a review of the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment required to comply with the requirements of the European Communities (Assessment and Management of Flood Risks) Regulations 2010 to 2015 (the “Regulations”) (implementing Directive 2007/60/EC) for the purposes of establishing a framework for the assessment and management of flood risks, aiming at the reduction of adverse consequences for human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity associated with floods.