Why do surface-water flood maps differ from river flood maps?
Drainage capacity, small catchments, and modelling scale effects that change shading between data products for England properties.
Published: 18 Apr 2026 · Updated: 18 Apr 2026 · 9 min read
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Same postcode, different physics
River models emphasise channel and tidal mechanisms. Surface water maps emphasise rainfall runoff meeting obstacles at street level.
Buyer mindset
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Walk the street in rain if safe.
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