Are You at Risk of Flooding?

Surface water flooding is independent of overflowing water bodies and can be highly unpredictable. This is usually as a result of torrential rain and will overwhelm drainage systems. Urban areas can be particularly impacted as extensive hard surfaces prevents water being absorbed.

Groundwater flooding occurs when the water table emerges above ground level, including coming up through the floor. It usually happens gradually, after periods of prolonged or heavy rainfall.

River flooding is usually the result of heavy rainfall causing river levels to rise. Rivers vary in the way they cope with the additional water depending on their capacity and access to a flood plain.

Coastal flooding is caused by a combination of high tides, waves and storms. High tides usually occur in spring and again in autumn.

Buildings at the base of a steep valley will be impacted more severely by flooding as rainfall will run off the surrounding hillsides quicker. It can also result in severe landslides.

Compound flooding is less common and occurs when both coastal and river flooding happens simultaneously. It results in flood water affecting much larger areas and takes longer to drain away.