A flood is a natural disaster characterised by the overflow of water onto normally dry land, often caused by heavy rainfall or snowmelt, resulting in widespread flood water inundation and potential damage to homes, infrastructure, and ecosystems.
What is flooding?
Riverine flooding
Riverine flooding happens when there’s been a lot of rain over several days or weeks. When there is too much water, creeks and rivers can burst their banks and that’s when flooding happens.
Flash flooding
Flash flooding happens where there is a lot of rain in a short period of time. It can happen anywhere, at any time, and often without a lot of warning. Flash flooding is dangerous. Expect to see powerful, water moving fast. In built up, urban areas drains and creeks can fill up quickly and spread to nearby buildings, streets, roads and parks.
Flood categories
Minor flooding
If the water level reaches the minor flood level, it causes inconvenience. Low-lying areas next to water sources are inundated. Minor roads may be closed and low-level bridges submerged. In urban areas flooding may affect some backyards and buildings below floor level as well as bicycle and pedestrian paths. In rural areas moving livestock and equipment to higher ground may be required.
Moderate flooding
If the water level reaches the moderate flood level, the area of flood inundation is larger. Main traffic routes may be affected. Some buildings may be affected above floor level. Evacuation may be required. In rural areas removal of livestock is necessary.
Major flooding
If the water level reaches the major flood level large areas are inundated. Many buildings may be affected above floor level. Properties and towns may be isolated and major traffic routes closed. Evacuation may be required. Utility services may be affected.
To learn more about floods visit the Bureau of Meteorology’s Flood Knowledge Centre.
Understand Your Risk
Depending on your location, you may experience floods differently. Your location can help determine whether you are likely to experience flooding. Understanding the type of flooding you are likely to experience will help you to prepare for how quickly the flooding is likely to occur, the duration of heightened flood water levels, where flooding is likely to occur, and the impact it will have on your home, workplace and transport networks. Note that your home does not need to be at risk of flood for you to be impacted. People living in elevated areas may become isolated or could lose power, reception, internet or other services.
Community Protection Flood Guides
The State Emergency Service, as part of their Storm and Flood Ready Program has worked with local communities at high risk of flooding to develop Community Protection Flood Guides.
Check your local community flood guide below to assess your level of riverine flood risk.
- Huonville and Ranelagh
- Upper Huon River
- Mountain River area above Ranelagh
- Cygnet and surrounds
- Franklin to Port Huon
- Geeveston
- Dover and the far South
Driving and road safety in floods
Roads are usually flooded before properties. It is important that you stay informed of local road conditions to prevent you and your family becoming isolated. Many drivers rescued from flood waters report that they were in a hurry to get home safely, using this as an excuse to drive through floodwaters. Regardless of the type of car you drive, driving through flood water is extremely dangerous.
Please remember:
- Most flood-related deaths occur at night and involve cars driving on flooded roads. Creeks and rivers can rise very quickly, and the road surface can wash away making water much deeper than it appears.
- Once cars are swept downstream, they will often roll to one side and then flip over entirely leaving the driver and occupants little time to escape.