This is caused by abnormal high tides, strong winds and low pressure systems. The Met office actively research this and pass on information to Coastal Research Stations and the National Rivers Association. They warn on storm surges and give advise to people like those that run the Thames barrier. The second type of flooding is river flooding. The National Rivers Association monitor this by measuring rainfall in their area.
Hydrologists study the water table levels and river levels.
The Institute of Hydrology at Wallingford is a major site for flooding research.