Dangers of floodwater
Floodwater may be deeper or faster flowing than it looks. Never drive, ride, walk or play in floodwater. People have lost their lives when entering floodwaters on foot or in their car.
On foot, the dangers include:
- drowning from falling or getting stuck
- being hit by hidden debris
- risks from raw sewage and other contaminants in the water.
When driving:
- 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.
Remember, 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 cause enormous damage very quickly. They 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 my area?
- Will my house flood or become isolated?
- When do I evacuate and where do I go?
Learn
Before floods threaten your area, learn what key terms mean:
- Flash flooding – happens less than six hours after rainfall. The Bureau does not issue flash flood warnings. Instead, warnings are given as part of our Severe weather and coastal hazards warning services.
- Flood Watch – advises of possible future flooding if the rain forecast suggests flooding may happen in the next few days.
- Flood Warning – issued when riverine flooding is likely in a particular location or catchment.
Check with your 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.
For more about our flood watches and warnings, see flood warning services.
Also understand flood classifications and river heights.
Plan and prepare
If your local area has a history of flooding, prepare a flood action plan. Include an evacuation plan and a flood preparation checklist.
For more information on preparing for a flood, contact your state or territory's emergency services – view our Emergency contacts page.