A flood barrier component comprising a base; a plurality of wall extending upwardly from the base; a top coupled to an upper edge of said plurality of walls and defining a cavity between said base, plurality of walls and said top; the top or the at least one of said plurality of sides to be placed in contact with the flood waters being capable of allowing the flood waters to pass through the top or the at least one of said plurality of sides into the interior of the flood barrier component and being retained therein.