The landward or upstream phase of a tidal current, also loosely used for the rising tide itself. In current tables flood is given a direction and a maximum speed, and its start, end and peak are predicted for each cycle. In many estuaries flood current continues for a while after local high water, which catches out anyone who equates high tide with slack.
Flood's still running at 2 knots an hour after high water, so plan the turn into the berth accordingly.
Also heard as
- flood current
- flood tide
- flood stream
Related terms
Ebb
Tidal current running out toward the sea and down rivers and estuaries, mostly while the water is falling.
Slack water
The short lull when a reversing current almost stops while it swaps between flood and ebb.
Max flood
The peak strength of the flood current in a cycle, and the time it occurs; max ebb is the seaward equivalent.
Tidal current
The horizontal flow of water that accompanies the rise and fall of the tide.
Bore
A wave or wall of water that runs up a river at the start of the flood tide in some funnel-shaped estuaries.