The different types of flooding and why they matter

When most people think of flooding, they imagine torrential rain and rising rivers – but there’s more than one type of flood that can affect your home or business.

From heavy rainfall to tidal surges, the causes (and solutions) can be very different. The bad news? Our local geography in East Yorkshire means flood danger comes in many forms here. The good news? With a bit of preparation, you can reduce the risk and protect what matters most.

Below, we break down the main ways flooding can affect our area and what you can do to be prepared.

River flooding

When rivers overflow after long periods of rain or snowmelt, nearby areas can flood fast. Even properties that seem a few streets away from the river can be affected. Here in our region, the River Hull and drains can all pose a risk to local communities.

How to prepare:

• Get local flood warnings from the Environment Agency.
• If you live in a flood risk area, know your evacuation route.
• Get into the habit of storing important things upstairs where possible (valuable items, paperwork, electricals) so you’re not scrambling later.

Tidal or coastal flooding

Being near the Humber Estuary and the coast means these types of flooding are a real risk for parts of Hull and the East Riding. High tides and storm surges can push seawater inland, flooding coastal communities and estuaries.

How to prepare:

• Keep up to date with Met Office coastal weather alerts when we have strong winds and high tides
• Consider installing property flood protection measures in your home

Surface water flooding

When rain falls faster than it can drain away – often in built-up areas – water can pool on roads, driveways and gardens.

How to prepare:

• Use permeable materials (like gravel or paving blocks) instead of solid concrete for driveways.
• Install water butts to collect rainwater and ease pressure on drains.
• Report blocked drains to your local council to help protect against localised flooding

Sewer flooding

When sewers become blocked or overloaded, they can back up into homes, gardens or streets – which is both unpleasant and hazardous.

What you can do:

• Avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease down sinks.
• Only flush the ‘three P’s’ down the toilet
• If you suspect an issue, contact your water company to investigate

Ground water flooding

When the water table rises after long periods of rainfall, it can seep up through the ground, floors or basements, especially in low-lying areas.

What you can do:

• Install protective measures in basements or cellars to manage rising water.
• Raise your plug sockets.
• Store valuable items on raised shelves or higher floors.

Ditches and drainage

Blocked drains prevent water from flowing away, leading to localised flooding inside or outside your property. Rural and semi-rural properties often rely on ditches, culverts or private drainage systems. If these become blocked or overgrown, floodwater can back up quickly.

Preparation tips:

• Regularly clean drains and remove debris.
• Keep ditches and culverts clear of silt, weeds and rubbish.
• Use drain covers to catch leaves and rubbish.
• Check land drainage rights and talk to your neighbours about managing ditches or culverts that can affect several properties
• Schedule professional drain inspections if you notice slow drainage or bad smells.

General advice

Sometimes, flooding doesn’t fit neatly into one category – or it can be caused by multiple factors. There are things you can do before, or during, any flooding event that will help you be more prepared.

What to do:

• Move important belongings, documents, and electronics upstairs.
• Turn off gas and electricity if flooding is likely.
• Keep an emergency “grab bag” ready with essentials such as torches, chargers, medicines and contact numbers.

Final thoughts

Flooding isn’t just something that happens “somewhere else” or at certain times of the year. Whether you live in urban, rural or coastal areas, there’s always a type of flooding that can catch you out.

Simple steps like maintaining drains, planning ahead and getting flood alerts direct to your phone can help protect your home or business – and reduce stress during severe weather.

Take a few minutes to think about what you need to do to prepare for a flood – future you will thank you for it!