The most common types of flooding are:
- Tidal flooding
- River flooding
- Pluvial flooding
- Groundwater flooding
- Sewer flooding
Coastal Partners, working with The Environment Agency are primarily concerned with Tidal flooding. For more information on other types of flooding please contact your leading local flood authority, local council or The Environment Agency.
Tidal flooding often occurs where adverse weather has an effect on the level of the tide. A deep low pressure weather system and its associated strong winds can cause a tidal surge (an increase in the normal tide level).
If such a system coincides with an already high astronomical tide the UK coast can be vulnerable to the sea breaching coastal defences. It was this type of event which led to the devastating North Sea floods in 1953, where over 300 people lost their lives in East Anglia and 1,800 in the Netherlands. Even if the tide does not breach defences, the wind-driven spray can often cause significant problems in the areas immediately adjacent to the shore.
For more information on reducing the threats of flooding and coastal change visit the government website.