The third UK National Observers Group Meeting took place on 21st March 2014 at WSP House, London. A total of 46 people attended, including specialists, practitioners, academics and local and central government policy-makers.

RainGain scientific coordinator Dr Marie-Claire ten Veldhuis and UK RainGain partners ICL, Met Office and LGFF outlined progress to date in developing and piloting innovative technologies to improve the modelling, prediction and management of surface water flooding. This included:

• Results of the testing of a low-cost X-band radar in the heart of London and progress on the installation of new dual-polarisation X-band radars in Paris and Rotterdam
• Development of a super-resolution (100 m) radar rainfall product over the Greater London Area
• Development and testing of techniques for improving accuracy of rainfall estimates for urban applications
• Conclusions and lessons learned through exchange of experiences between local authorities from the RainGain partner countries
• Development of material for community engagement in local flood risk management

Presentations were then given by invited speakers on experiences in the modelling, forecasting and management of surface water flood risk in England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.

The day concluded with a breakout discussion session in which a scoping analysis of a local surface water flood forecasting system was carried out.

The programme, minutes, presentations and other reports from this meeting can be downloaded from the panel on the right hand side.