UP to the minute flood information is now available on line with the launch of a new service by the Environment Agency.

The new service is the first Government web system designed to withstand one million hits a day and to offer 24-hour automatic updating every 15 minutes.

Users can search by town, postcode or nearest river to check the latest flood warnings at http://www.environment-agency.gov">www.environment-agency.gov. uk/floodwarning.

The site includes maps of flood warning areas covered, national and regional summaries and a breakdown of the last five flood warnings recorded for each area.

There is also supporting advice such as Floodline quickdial numbers and television and radio stations that broadcast flood information.

Data comes from telemetry systems, which gauge river levels, flood engineers and hydrologists who work round the clock, seven days a week to keep information up to date.

Graeme Boyce, the agency's South West regional flood warning manager, said: "This is an important website for those whose lives are affected by flooding.

"Putting information on the internet allows us to improve our service by making access to the information faster and making it available right across England and Wales simultaneously.

"This benefits the public and also, importantly, the emergency services and the media."

Those unable to access the internet can get up to date information from the agency's Floodline - 0845 988 1188.