Surface water flooding

The ground may become saturated and the drains and sewers, which carry away surface water, may not be able to cope, leading to surface water flooding. It is estimated that nearly 4m UK properties are at risk.

River flooding

River flooding occurs when rivers and streams are unable to carry away floodwaters within their usual drainage channels.

Coastal flooding

Coastal flooding is caused by high tides coinciding with a low-pressure storm system, which raises sea and tidal water levels, overwhelming coastal defences.

Reservoir or dam failure

The UK has approximately 5,000 reservoirs. Building a dam across a river or stream created many of these. There are a significant number of “large” raised reservoirs in the UK, which may pose a potential risk.

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Know your Flood Risk