Review article: Rethinking preparedness for coastal compound flooding: insights from a systematic review

Abstract. Tackling the growing risks of compound flooding (CF) requires transformative preparedness strategies, particularly in estuarine and coastal regions where the interaction of drivers such as storm surges, rainfall, and river discharge exacerbates impacts. Despite progress, fragmented governance, weak cross-sectoral coordination, and the limited integration of scientific insights hinder effective responses. This systematic review draws on 49 studies to explore how preparedness strategies are evolving to integrate technical, environmental, and social dimensions while evaluating the role of governance and collaboration in enhancing adaptive approaches. Hybrid early warning systems – combining statistical and hydrodynamic models with real-time data – are critical for forecasting accuracy and timely decision-making. Similarly, the balanced implementation of green, blue, and grey infrastructure provides sustainable responses, with nature-based solutions complementing traditional engineering. Our results show that strengthening governance and communication is essential to improving preparedness. Involving communities in land-use planning, building regulations, and communication ensures that measures are both actionable and context specific. Incorporating psychological and behavioural data into preparedness frameworks and models helps to strengthen the link between awareness and behaviours. Enhanced coordination across sectors and levels of government is also vital to addressing the systemic nature of CF risks, moving beyond siloed single-hazard responses.