Navigating the Waters: Types of Floods Impacting Australia

Australia is no stranger to flash floods and other natural disasters. Since the 19th century, climatologists have documented some of the major weather phenomena impacting everyone from local enclaves to whole communities and cities - regardless of the terrain that surrounds them.

Brisbane Homes under water during the great flood of 2011. It was the worst disaster to strike the continent of Australia.

From Maitland to Cairns, the landscape tells a story of storm surges, riverine flooding, flash flooding and even coastal floods that can still be considered relevant today. It can be hard to fathom that the Townsville, Western Australia and New South Wales floods all took place within the last decade but with climate activists warning of more changes and an increase in flood forecasts, it's time to get prepared.

In fact, the Australian government has begun implementing a ten-year plan to improve flood warnings as just one important measure to address climate change.

Flood warnings: more locations are impacted by severe storms in Australia

In the same breath, flood risks used to be confined to specific urban areas and expected locations such as along the Australian coastline. But as urbanization increases, weather patterns change and heavy rainfall has fewer places to go, so the types of flooding increase and the risk intensifies for renters, property owners and communities. However, it's not all doom and gloom.

Consumers don't have to remain helpless in the face of heavy rainfall events (as just one example) and climate risks. Modern flood barrier solutions and education can help to change the narrative for those who live in urban, riverine and coastal regions especially. It all starts with understanding the types of flooding that occur in Australia and which areas are most likely to experience them.

Types of floods most common in Australia

Coastal flooding

Occurs when sea levels start rising or a storm surge leads to heavy rainfall along the coast, high tides or even tropical cyclones. Storm tides are also a culprit here, sometimes temporarily raising waves over existing beachfront barriers and creating flood waters that run through urban areas and nearby coastal towns.

There are some coastal areas in Queensland and New South Wales which are popular tourist destinations but also vulnerable stretches when it comes to a coastal flood.

Riverine flooding

Riverine flooding can occur when heavy rain fills rivers higher than normal and their banks flood beyond the usual borders. This is a type of fluvial flooding.

Regions along major rivers like the Murray-Darling are at risk in these cases, especially given that rain is seasonal. Heavy rain falling can create flash floods in urban areas with rivers although in more rural areas, it's common to have prolonged flooding that affects agriculture and livestock.

Storm surges

Low atmospheric pressure and strong offshore winds can create a sudden rise in sea levels called storm surges. In Australia, this is often related to tropical cyclones as we've mentioned above but this isn't always the driving force behind this type of flooding.

In fact, storm surges play such a critical role in Australia's climate story that even the government has documented some of the most notable ones over the years in "From Sea to Shore".

Stormwater flooding

Stormwater flooding occurs when urban drainage systems overflow (a kind of pluvial flooding). This is common in cities where asphalt stops water from evaporating and draining in normal cycles. As stormwater drains overflow, so water backs up along streets and walkways.

Infrastructural flooding

In some cases, infrastructural flooding can occur which happens specifically within human-made structures like transport or irrigation systems and a contingency plan should be in place to prevent flooding specific to this infrastructure.

Of course, there are also ice jams which aren't common in Australia but do occur in very cold areas, and a range of floods named after where they are most prevalent like lake or reservoir floods.

But ultimately, even areas that have had prolonged drought historically can fall victim to "changing tides". So, with this in mind, how does one identify flood risk in your area beyond simply living near a coast or a river?

Flood forecasting and risk management can help you prepare your home and community

It's not enough to rely on an exit strategy or emergency services when flooding occurs. Often rescue teams are inundated with calls in times of trouble and getting away from the problem can be easier said than done.

Everything from river floods to an overactive storm tide can put you in a predicament fast, and impact thousands of square kilometres of rural or urban land. The best cure is ultimately prevention.

This means, identifying whether or not you're in a high-risk area and getting temporary or long-term barriers as a personal or community investment.

Speak to us about the right solution for your area

The right flood defences can protect you and your property from flash floods, storm surges and heavy rainfall, saving you from having to deal with damages and helping to ensure better safety for you, your family and any animals on your land.

We have a range of flood barriers that can protect even small homes in low-lying areas to large urban areas covering hundreds of square kilometres. Find the right solution for your climate defence needs.