Building a Weather-Ready Nation: Spring Flooding

news image
Special Stories
8 Mar 2021 10:15 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lsJl3J-IJA After a major early spring flooding event, John Van Pelt spoke with John Gordon from NWS Louisville about lessons we can all learn to be safe this spring. The National Weather Service issues many hydrology related products. Some are to warn you of potential hazards; others are information statements to keep you up to date on changing weather and river situations. Below are the most commonly issued products along with a brief explanation of what they mean to you:

"Take Action!" when these products are issued

Warnings or Advisories are issued when confidence is greater than 80% that an event will occur. Depending on the type of event, these may be issued anywhere from hours before an event to days in advance of an event. +Flash Flood Warning +Flood Warning +Flood Advisory +Coastal/Lakeshore Hazardous Message +Special Weather Statement

"Be Prepared" when these products are issued

Watch products associated with flooding are typically issued within a day or more of the event. The confidence level for an event to occur when a Watch is issued is 50-80%. When a Watch is issued, you should begin to gather more information about the situation and determine what actions you will need to take should a warning be issued. +Flash Flood Watch +Flood Watch

"Be Aware" when these products are issued

Outlook products are issued days, weeks or even months in advance of the event. The confidence level for an event highlighted in an outlook to occur is less than 50%. When an Outlook is issued, you should take note. This serves as a "heads-up" that you may be impacted and gives you a general timeline of when the event could occur. +Hydrologic Outlook +Hazardous Weather Outlook

Products to keep you informed

The products listed below are produced to keep the public and NWS partners up to date on the latest forecast information. +Area Forecast Discussion +Hydrometeorological Discussion +River Forecast +Flash Flood Statement +Flood Statement +Hydrologic Statement +River Recreation Statement +Quantitative Precipitation Forecast +Public Information Statements CREDIT: National Weather Service Flood Safety Campaign
All Weather News
More
Rare Winter Storm Threatens Over 130 Million

Rare Winter Storm Threatens Over 130 Million

A rare winter storm is expected to impac

23 Jan 2026 3:25 AM
Dangerously Cold Temps Spill Into the Lower 48 Late This Week

Dangerously Cold Temps Spill Into the Lower 48 Late This Week

During the winter months, many of us are no s

23 Jan 2026 3:10 AM
Rain and Snow Return to the Southwest

Rain and Snow Return to the Southwest

For much of this winter season, the Southwest

23 Jan 2026 3:10 AM
Snow Continues for the Great Lakes, Northeast

Snow Continues for the Great Lakes, Northeast

A clipper system continues to shift across th

23 Jan 2026 3:00 AM
Cold Stuns Iguanas as Another Cold Snap Reaches South Florida

Cold Stuns Iguanas as Another Cold Snap Reaches South Florida

Sub-freezing temperatures made their way into

20 Jan 2026 10:30 AM
Dangerous Cold follows Weekend Blizzard Conditions in the Northern Plains

Dangerous Cold follows Weekend Blizzard Conditions in the Northern Plains

MONDAY AM UPDATE: WEEKEND SNOW TOTALS: MERCER

19 Jan 2026 11:00 AM
Snow Totals from the Weekend Snow that Targeted I-95 From Virginia through New England

Snow Totals from the Weekend Snow that Targeted I-95 From Virginia through New England

MONDAY AM UPDATE: WInter Weather advisories a

19 Jan 2026 9:10 AM