Do you know if you are risk from flooding and if so what type of flood waters will affect you?

There are several different types of flooding that occur, each one poses its own set of risks and complications. Here is a brief outline of the different types and where they might occur.

Pluvial flooding can be regarded as flooding that occurs as a result of overland flow of rainfall before it enters a water course or drainage system. Pluvial flooding normally occurs as a result of very intense rainfall (e.g. more than 30mm/1 inch per hour). It can occur with lower rainfall intensities because the ground is saturated, high ground water level, frozen ground, or urban development where the topography causes the water to collect/pond. In Urban areas Pluvial flooding can be caused by the drainage and sewage systems being completely overwhelmed.

Fluvial flooding occurs as a result of a water course (river/stream) rising above its normal channel and spreading on the surround area (floodplain).

Surge conditions are caused by astronomic tide plus storm water and low atmospheric conditions combining to raise water levels, which will be accompanied with large waves that can help drive water in land.

Failure of a reservoir can lead to a catastrophically dangerous body and flow of water downstream from the Dam or reservoir.

Sudden snow melt can lead to a large and quick rise in water levels leading to pooling of melt water and quick rises in water courses.

Water course and Drainage Blockage can lead to a build up a backlog of water that can come back up through the drains and cause localised flooding, in areas that do not normally collect flood waters.

The Environment Agency's website has useful information on types of flooding, and don't forget to look up your postcode on their floodmap to see the threat posed to your home or business.