What is a flash flood or flood statement?
What are flash floods? Flash floods occur suddenly, usually within 6 hours of the rain event, and result from heavy localized rainfall. Flash floods can begin before the rain stops. Water level on small streams may rise quickly in heavy rainstorms, especially near the headwaters of river basins. Heavy rains can also cause flash flooding in areas where the floodplain has been urbanized. Are people killed as a result of floods? Many people are killed by flash floods when driving or walking on roads and bridges that are covered by water. In fact, flash floods are the number one weather-related killer in the United States. Even 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet, and a depth of only 2 feet of water will float many of today’s automobiles. If you are in a car and water starts rising, get out and move to higher ground. What is a flash flood or flood warning? A flash flood or flood warning indicates that flash flooding or flooding is already occurring or imminent w
