Why is floodwater dangerous?
Floodwater may be deeper or faster flowing than it looks. Never drive, ride, walk or play in floodwater. People have died when entering floodwaters on foot or in their car.
On foot
The dangers include:
- drowning from falling, getting stuck or being swept into drains
- being hit by hidden debris
- risks from raw sewage and other contaminants in the water.
When driving
The dangers include:
- roads and surfaces underneath floodwater often wash away and may not be visible from the surface
- a small car weighing about 1 tonne can be moved by floodwater which is only 15 cm deep, flowing at a rate of 1 m per second
- in 60 cm of floodwater a small car will completely float away, due to buoyancy from airtight doors and inflated tyres.
If it's flooded, forget it. Turn around and find another way.
Video: '15 To Float' from Victoria State Emergency Service
Deciding to drive on a flooded road might be the last decision you ever make.
Never drive on flooded roads. It can take just 15 to float.
Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.
Prepare for a flood
Floods can cut off communication and transport and they can happen anywhere in Australia.
In an emergency, the situation can change rapidly. So, before a flood arrives, it's important to ask, learn, plan and prepare.
Ask
Find out whether floods have affected your neighbourhood. Your local council or shire is a good place to start:
- Has a flood study been completed for your area?
- When did floods previously affect the area?
- How high were they and could they be higher?
- How quickly did the water rise?
- How long did flooding last?
- Is there a flood plan for your area?
- Will your house flood or become isolated?
- When do you evacuate and where do you go?
Learn
Before floods threaten your area, learn what key terms mean.
Flash flood
Flash flooding can happen suddenly, often with little or no warning. We do not issue flash flood warnings. Instead, warnings for heavy or intense rainfall, or other weather that may lead to flash flooding, are provided as part of our Severe weather and coastal hazards warning services.
Check with your state government, local council or shire if there is a flash flood warning service for your area.
Learn about the difference between flash flooding and riverine flooding on the About floods page.
Flood watch
Early advice of possible flooding if the forecast shows riverine flooding may happen within the next few days.
Flood warning
Issued when riverine flooding is likely or occurring in a particular location.
Learn more about flood watches and warnings, on our Flood warning services page.
Also understand flood classifications and river heights.
Plan and prepare
Prepare a flood action plan. This will help you act when needed. Include an evacuation plan and a flood preparation checklist.
For more information to help you prepare, visit the National Emergency Management Agency.
Follow advice
Always follow advice of your local emergency services on what to do before, during and after severe weather.
For more information to help you respond and who to contact in an emergency, visit the National Emergency Management Agency.