NSW Government
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Riverine Flooding

Riverine flooding on the Georges River 1986
Riverine flooding on the Georges River 1986

Riverine flooding occurs when rivers burst their banks, inundating surrounding low lying land.

  
In places where land is less steep and you are farther away from the headwaters, flooding may rise relatively slowly (compared to flash flooding) over many hours or days.

The expected arrival time and the depth of floodwater can often be predicted so a flood warning can be issued. The depth of floodwater in these locations can be great and in some coastal rivers water can rise 10-20metres above their normal level.

Staying inside a house, even one which you think is high enough, may be very dangerous. If you are warned to evacuate is always best to move to a safe location before floodwater arrives.

In places where the land is flat and a long way from the headwaters of rivers, such as inland NSW, the floods may take many days, weeks, or even months to arrive. The depth will not be great but huge areas can be flooded and people and animals can be isolated for many weeks.