Know Your Flood Alerts

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

Throughout the summer, we expect storms that form fast and cause damage in their path. These storms can bring heavy rainfall and with that rainfall, we experience floods.

We're lucky to have different technologies that can warn us of any flooding activity, like our TVs or our phones. But what exactly are the differences between the flood alerts? 

Flood Watch 

• Authorities think there is a chance that the rivers will overflow from heavy rain.

Flood Warning

• Authorities can indicate timing and locations of flooding. Flooding typically lasts longer than flash floods. 

Flash Flood Watch

• Anticipate that heavy rains might occur or are expected; be ready to take action if the flood does occur. A flash flood is a flood that occurs from heavy rainfall in less than 6 hours. 

Flash Flood Warning 

• Sudden flash flooding is now occurring. Move to safety. 

Do you know what to do in a flood? Check out Ready.gov to prepare.