THE Environment Agency (EA) has announced that significant improvements to flood warning services and operational activities for Exeter and the Exe Estuary are now live.

The announcement comes following the completion of advanced post-scheme modelling work.

The enhanced services build on the success of the Exeter Flood Defence Scheme, which now provides improved protection for over 3,000 homes and businesses across the city.

The comprehensive defence scheme includes 14 operational flood gates, demountable and temporary barriers, pumping systems, defences managed by Network Rail.

The modelling project has delivered substantial improvements to flood risk management capabilities across multiple areas.

The new enhanced flood forecasting model for the River Exe will provide more accurate predictions.

Flood warning areas have been refined, with targeted flood warning areas increasing from two to four, ensuring residents and businesses receive more precise and relevant warnings. The improvements also enhance flood defence operations through better predictions, covering all 14 gates, demountable and temporary defences, and pumping systems, including Network Rail defences at Cowley Bridge and four gates south of St David's Station.

The innovative forecast solution downstream of Trews Wier addresses the challenges faced by areas affected by both river and tidal flooding, ensuring comprehensive protection and warning services across the varied flood risk landscape of Exeter and the Exe Estuary.

These improvements represent a significant step forward in protecting the city's residents and businesses from flood risk, building on the multi-million-pound investment in physical flood defences with cutting-edge forecasting and warning technology.

Ben Johnstone, Flood and Coastal Risk Manager at the Environment Agency, said: ‘These enhanced flood warning systems represent a major advancement in how we protect Exeter's communities.

‘By combining cutting-edge modelling technology with our comprehensive flood defence infrastructure, we can now provide residents and businesses with more accurate, timely warnings than ever before.

‘The investment in this modelling work ensures that our £32 million flood defence scheme delivers maximum protection for the thousands of homes and businesses it serves’.

The Exeter Flood Defence Scheme was delivered through a partnership between the Environment Agency, Devon County Council and Exeter City Council, with the scheme providing enhanced protection that extends far beyond traditional flood barriers to encompass comprehensive risk management.