Floods API

The Floods API is a channel Google built so that its flood forecasts can be used not by people directly, but by other programs. It's similar to how a weather agency doesn't just show forecasts on a screen for humans, but also opens a separate channel that lets other services automatically fetch the data.

Google runs a model that predicts how much a river will rise, together with a model that takes that prediction and maps out which areas will actually flood. The results go out through two channels: a web interface where people check a map, and a channel where programs receive the data as numbers and coordinates — this entry is about the latter. Disaster-response agencies or map and navigation services pull data through this channel when they want to embed flood alerts directly into their own systems.

Forecasts sent through this channel cover river floods up to 7 days ahead, and sudden urban flash floods up to 24 hours ahead. But not every location is equally reliable. Some areas are validated against real gauge-station data, while others are filled in purely by model estimates without gauges, so accuracy can vary from country to country.

1. Try searching a river or region you're interested in along with "flood forecast" in a search engine or map service.
2. If that area is covered by the forecast, you may see a graph or map showing how water levels are expected to change over the next few days.
3. If the screen indicates whether the data is based on real gauge stations or model estimates, check that too to gauge how reliable it is.