Floods occurring all over Australia, however different types of floods are common in different regions. Depending on your location, you may experience floods differently. Your location will determine whether you are likely to experience river, flash or costal flooding or a combination of several of these types of flood risks.
Riverine flooding occurs in relatively low-lying areas adjacent to streams and rivers. In the extensive flat inland regions of Australia, floods may spread over thousands of square kilometres and last several weeks, with flood warnings sometimes issued months in advance. In the mountain and coastal regions of Australia, flooding can happen rapidly with a warning of only a few hours in some cases.
Flash flooding, otherwise known as overland flooding, can occur almost anywhere there is a relatively short, intense burst of rainfall such as during a thunderstorm. As a result, the drainage system has insufficient capacity or time to cope with the downpour. Although flash floods are generally localised, they pose a significant threat because of their unpredictability and normally short duration.
(Get Ready Queensland, Geoscience Australia)
