Advanced Flood Warning System

The increase in frequency and intensity of flood events, a phenomenon exacerbated by climate change, highlights the need for advanced measures to manage and mitigate this risk, as well as to effectively support self-protection actions. In this context, the Advanced Flood Warning System (Sistema Avançat d’Avisos per Inundacions, SAAI) project was launched, coordinated by the Centre for Applied Research in Hydrometeorology at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, with the support of the Catalan Water Agency under the 2024 Research, Development and Innovation Programme.

Launched in July 2025 and with a planned duration of two years, the main objective of the SAAI project is to adapt, integrate and demonstrate in Catalonia a new generation of tools to support flood risk management. These tools are based on a comprehensive risk approach that goes beyond the analysis of meteorological variables and incorporates the impacts of flood events on the territory and the population.

The project envisages the development of impact-based early warnings at critical points at the municipal scale, as well as the creation of an impact database to support decision-making in the phases prior to emergency situations. In addition, artificial intelligence functionalities will be integrated for data collection and analysis, with the aim of improving the characterisation of hydrometeorological events.

The SAAI also includes the development of a web platform and a mobile application aimed at promoting transparency and citizen participation in the collection and visualisation of impact data, thereby strengthening the role of citizens in risk management.

The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed developments will be assessed through real-time demonstrations in two pilot municipalities. The information and experience gathered from these pilot tests will be used to develop an Implementation Manual, designed to facilitate the replicability and scalability of these tools in other municipalities in Catalonia.

Acronym: SAAI

Project name: Sistema Avançat d’Avisos per Inundacions

Period: From 07/07/2025 to 06/07/2027 2027

Line of work: Flood risk management

Call: ACC/1362/2024