Flood warning - on the value of local information

Based on the experience with the flood forecasting system of the Kamp catchment in Austria the role of local information in warning is discussed. Local hydrological process information from field surveys can be used to build more reliable models than is possible with regional data bases. River basin management processes are difficult to quantify in a general way, so familiarity with the local situation and interaction with local stakeholders will help to more accurately quantify the effects of river basin management on the flood situation. Local real time data, such as runoff data and water levels of reservoirs, can be used to improve forecasts by updating the routing and rainfall runoff models. Communication and the credibility of warnings may be strongly enhanced by local human forecasters that are familiar both with the model and the flood situation in the area of interest. Global information can assist at the local scale to extend lead times by precipitation forecasts and to assess forecast uncertainty by ensemble forecasts but much additional information at the local scale is needed to maximise the credibility of the forecasts.