What's a Flash Flood?

9/29/2017 (Permalink)

Flood waters can devastate your home or business.

By definition, a flash flood is flooding within three to six hours, caused by heavy rain locally, or flooding near rivers, streams, etc with heavy rains upstream.  It can also be caused by rapid snow melt.

Urban areas are prone to flash flooding, due to lack of runoff areas and/or lack of absorption areas.

The following are advisories and warnings, put out by the National Weather Service:

• Urban and Small Stream Advisory - Low-lying areas, underpasses, streets, and near rivers or streams flooding is occurring.
• Flash Flood Watch - Flooding possible in the watch area.  Make sure you have an escape route accessible, so if the situation becomes worse, you have  way out.
• Flash Flood Warning - Flooding is now occurring or is imminent.  Seek higher ground immediately!

At home, make sure you have any valuables off the floor, particularly those in your lowest level.  Move anything that is in danger of being damaged in flood waters to a higher level of your home.

Always remember, safety first!  Do NOT drive through flooded streets, especially those streets that are new to you and you cannot see the pavement.  It takes less than a foot of moving water to pick up a car!  The majority of people killed in floods are those trying to escape in their vehicles.