A flood is caused by a combination of heavy rainfall causing river or oceans to overflow their banks. This can happen at any time of the year, not just in the winter. Coastal areas are also at risk from sea flooding, when storms and big waves bring seawater onto the land. The worst cases of flooding may occur if there is a combination of storms, 'spring tides' and low atmospheric pressure.
Flooding can be very dangerous – only 15 centimeters of fast-flowing water are needed to knock you off your feet!
Severe floods ruin homes or businesses and destroy personal property. The water left behind causes further damage to property and contents. The environment and wildlife is also at risk . Floodwater can severely disrupt public and personal transport. It cuts off roads and railway lines, as well as communication links when telephone lines are damaged.
Unluckily, flooding not only upsets many people's lives each year, but it frequently creates personal tragedies when people are swept away and drowned.