Explaining Flood Types

news image
Top Stories
29 Feb 2020 11:00 AM
https://youtu.be/_upIh4fCMxs There are many types of flooding that can impact us across the country, including river flooding, areal flooding, and flash flooding.  These are different types of one of the deadliest natural disasters in the United States. Flash flooding is the most dangerous kind as it can happen in the blink of an eye!  This is when water levels rise within six hours of the cause, which can be from heavy rain and sometimes rapid runoff from elevated terrain. River floods happen when the water level rises to the point it spills out of its banks and inundates typically dry areas.  Some of the causes include ice jams, rapid snow melt, heavy rain, or dam failures.  This type of flooding will be classified as minor, moderate, or major depending on the water height and potential impacts. Areal flooding develops at a slower pace and can occur more than six hours after moderate to heavy rain begins.  Think about flooding covering large areas such as farm land and neighborhoods as a visual example. It’s important to pay attention to the type of flooding that could threaten your neighborhood so when a watch, warning, or advisory is issued, you know the best way to prepare.  Just remember – flooding can happen anywhere in the United States, and during any time of year.
All Weather News
More
Fronts Continue To Spark Severe Weather Across the Plains

Fronts Continue To Spark Severe Weather Across the Plains

A cold front that brought record lows to the

18 Jul 2025 10:40 PM
Extreme Heat Impacts for the East Coast & South

Extreme Heat Impacts for the East Coast & South

Extreme heat continues to impact several area

18 Jul 2025 10:05 PM
Flooding Threat Remains Elevated in the East

Flooding Threat Remains Elevated in the East

A cold front pushing through the Eastern Seab

18 Jul 2025 9:10 PM
EF-2 Firenado from the Deer Creek Fire in Utah

EF-2 Firenado from the Deer Creek Fire in Utah

A fire tornado was spotted near La Sal, Utah

18 Jul 2025 7:30 AM
Tropical System Brings Flood Risk to the Central Gulf

Tropical System Brings Flood Risk to the Central Gulf

Time has run out for notable tropical develop

18 Jul 2025 3:05 AM
Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat Returns to Florida

Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat Returns to Florida

Keep the rain boots handy in Florida - heavy

13 Jul 2025 12:50 PM
Severe Storm Risk Pushes into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley

Severe Storm Risk Pushes into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley

Friday was another busy day with severe weath

12 Jul 2025 8:00 PM