Flood Signals Pilot Service: High-Resolution Precipitation-to-Flood Signals
The High-Resolution Early Precipitation-to-Flood Signals Pilot ServiceRegular provision of technological capabilities, resources, More is part of the Destination Earth initiative. Its primary objective is to provide early and reliable flood forecasts and indicators, including streamflow data and flood maps, to support decision-making processes in Italy.
In a nutshell
The High-Resolution Early Precipitation-to-Flood Signals Pilot Service is part of the Destination Earth initiative. Its primary objective is to provide early and reliable flood forecasts and indicators, including streamflow data and flood maps, to support decision-making processes in Italy and mitigate the impacts of severe weather events. The Pilot Service combines advanced meteorological forecasting with hydrological modelling to enhance preparedness and strengthen climate resilience at national and regional levels.
The Pilot Service integrates Extremes DT Operational Products into Italy’s national flood forecasting chain (FloodPROOFS). It leverages DestinE’s high-resolution forecasts and on-demand simulations to improve flood impact prediction. A machine learning component, based on the SynCast framework, helps calibrate the relationship between precipitation and river discharge, thereby increasing the accuracy of river flow and water level forecasts.
Key outputs include:
- Rainfall indicators over river catchments in Italy
- Streamflow forecasts for about 500 river sections across Italy
- Maps of flood return periods (spatial and temporal evolution)
- On-demand very high-resolution forecasts (ICON up to 500 m, coupled with FloodPROOFS)
Technical Overview
Challenge
Floods are one of the most frequent and damaging natural hazards in Europe. In Italy, a lack of harmonisation in regional approaches to flood forecasting makes it difficult to achieve a national perspective. To anticipate impacts and manage risks effectively, decision-makers require timely and reliable information, tailored to different territorial contexts.
DestinE Solution
The Pilot Service builds on Destination Earth’s advanced forecasting infrastructure, exploiting Extremes DT Operational Products and integrating them with existing Italian national tools. The Pilot Service provides a scalable framework that supports both routine monitoring and crisis management by combining early rainfall indicators, continuous hydrological forecasts, and on-demand very high-resolution modelling.
Impact
The Pilot Service strengthens flood forecasting capabilities in Italy by improving the localisation, timing, and intensity prediction of flood events. It supports the Italian Civil Protection in coordinating emergency responses, enhances collaboration between meteorological and hydrological agencies, and provides a model for potential replication across other European regions. Ultimately, the Pilot Service contributes to building resilience against climate change impacts and ensures interoperability within the wider DestinE ecosystem.
Contributions
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