Pluvial flooding (surface water)
Flooding from intense rainfall when drainage/infiltration capacity is exceeded, often in urban areas.
Example Usage
"The car park floods during short, high-intensity storms despite no nearby river."
Typical Units & Data
Rainfall intensity (mm/h), depth (m)
Related Keywords
Related Terms
Fluvial flooding
Flooding from rivers/streams when discharge exceeds channel capacity or defences are overtopped..
Flood Mechanisms & DriversCoastal flooding
Flooding from sea water due to high tide, storm surge, waves, overtopping or breaching..
Flood Mechanisms & DriversGroundwater flooding
Flooding when groundwater rises to the surface, often after prolonged rainfall in permeable geology..
Flood Mechanisms & DriversFlash flood
Rapid-onset flooding with very short lead times (minutes to hours), typically from intense rainfall..
Flood Mechanisms & DriversStorm surge
Temporary rise in sea level driven by low pressure and wind, superimposed on the tide..
Flood Mechanisms & DriversTide locking
Restricted river outflow because high sea levels prevent discharge at an outfall, backing water upstream..
FloodWatch Resources
Put This Knowledge to Work
FloodWatch monitors flood risk across your entire portfolio using official EA, NRW, and SEPA data.