Flash Flood: Overview and Safety Tips

If you’re lucky, you’ll only experience flash flooding as part of a fantastic movie. The last thing you’d want to see come upon you is a solid wall of water carrying uprooted foliage and anything else that gets swept up in the torrent. Flash flooding occurs in all fifty states and beyond and can cause severe catastrophic loss and devastation if you’re caught unprepared to handle such an event.

What is a Flash Flood?

According to the National Weather Service, a flash flood is “flooding that begins within 3 hours of heavy rainfall”. Flash flooding can also occur due to levee and dam failure and debris flow, which is a side effect of heavy rain.

Factors that Affect Flash Flooding

Several factors can affect flash flooding conditions. Some of these conditions include:

1. Heavy Rain and Impenetrable Soil

Continued heavy rains on soil that is unable to absorb more water result in a deadly combination of flowing water that must go somewhere. Flash flooding is prevalent in dry, desert regions after compacted soil is unable to handle the onslaught of water in a very short time.

2. Mountain Thaw and Rains

As spring arrives, ice and snow from higher elevations will naturally trickle down to low-lying areas. The combination of naturally flowing streams and heavy thunderstorms can produce catastrophic flooding conditions that take place in mere minutes.

3. Tropic Storms Such as Hurricanes and Typhoons

While most people assume that the high winds and flying debris characteristic of hurricanes do the most damage to homes and property, it’s water that can cause the most damage over time. Many tropical storms cause both slowly rising floodwaters and flash flooding in areas where capacity is too great for land to bear.

4. Dams and Levees

When the Banqiao Reservoir Dam gave way in China following Typhoon Nina, at least 171,000 people perished due to flash floods that occurred. As a result of the dam failure, 11 million survivors were left completely homeless, their homes and property destroyed by the catastrophic effects of rapidly rising water. Man Made dams and levees are effective at holding backwater, but they do give way under certain conditions. Additional stress placed on them by Mother Nature often results in dangerous conditions that give you only minutes to react as you rush to safety.

The intensity of rainfall, land use and topography, and soil saturation are all factors that affect an area and its predisposition to flooding. The danger of flash flooding is that it can occur so quickly that people are caught off-guard. Attempts to escape a flooded area or to take time to pack items needed for survival can place you and your family in grave danger if you don’t take precautions ahead of time. Particularly if you live in an area prone to flash flood warnings, you need to be prepared to handle what the next storm sends your way. 

Take these steps to ensure that you reach higher ground safe and sound:

Flash Flood Safety Tips

Taking proactive steps to ensure your safety during a flash flood can make a significant difference. Here are some crucial safety tips to follow:

• Stay Informed

1. 1. • Keep an eye on local weather forecasts and alerts. Use weather apps and listen to local news for updates on potential flash flood warnings. From April to September, a period often marked by downpours and occasional tornadoes, residents should watch the storm drains and stay informed about potential hazards. Flood fatalities often occur when individuals drown in moving water in ditches, even many miles away from the storm’s center.

• Move to Higher Ground

1. 1. • If a flash flood warning is issued, move immediately to higher ground. Avoid low-lying, steep areas that are prone to flooding.

• Avoid Walking Through Flood Waters

1. 1. • Never attempt to walk or swim through flood waters. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet, and one foot of water can sweep away most vehicles. Residents in urban areas and downstream counties must stay vigilant during storms. Rapid runoff can swiftly elevate water levels, risking structures like viaducts to wash away or collapse. It’s safer to float rather than wade through rising waters.

• Avoid Driving Through Flooded Areas

• Avoid driving through flooded areas at all costs, as doing so can lead to fatalities. A majority of deaths occur from flash floods when individuals underestimate the danger of flooded roads. Just one foot of water has the potential to sweep away most vehicles.

•  Evacuate if Advised

• Follow the instructions of federal and local authorities. If you are advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Delaying can put you and your family at greater risk.

• Secure Your Home

1. 1. • Before leaving, turn off utilities such as gas, electricity, and water. Move valuable items to higher levels in your home and secure outdoor furniture.

• Have an Emergency Kit Ready

Ensure your emergency kit is packed and easily accessible. It should include:

• Non-perishable food (enough for 3-5 days)
• Bottled water (enough for 3-5 days)
• First aid kit
• Pet carriers and pet supplies needed for care.
• Clothing
• Personal care items
• Cell phones and charging cords.
• Electronics, laptop, or tablet
• Blankets and pillows
• Medications needed for family members.
• Books, magazines, and games for children

You can determine what is most needed and start with that, then add what you can carry to a new destination without compromising your own security and safety.

•  Keep Communication Devices Charged

• Keep your cell phone and other communication devices fully charged. Consider having a portable charger in your emergency kit.

1. Plan for Pets

• Make sure you have a plan for your pets, including a carrier, food, water, and any medications they may need.

Preparation is Key to Minimizing Damage and Loss

Knowing how to stay informed in the event of a flood, as well as what steps to take to prepare you and your loved ones, will be an essential part of minimizing damage and loss. One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and your family is to invest in flood insurance. At Neptune Flood, we specialize in plans that cover you in times when you need it most. Cutting-edge algorithms and affordable pricing plans ensure that you get personalized coverage plans that work for you, your home, and your budget. Contact us today to see how we can provide you with more peace of mind this storm season. Visit our website, NeptuneFlood.com, for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I determine if my area is prone to flash floods?
   • Flash floods can occur in various regions, not just those near bodies of water. Check with local authorities or use online resources to assess your area’s risk based on factors like topography and historical flood data.
2. What should I do if I encounter a flash flood while driving?
   • If you encounter a flash flood while driving, turn around and find an alternative route to higher ground. Never attempt to drive through flooded areas, as the depth and force of the water can be unpredictable and dangerous.
3. Is flood insurance necessary if I don’t live in a designated flood zone?
   • Even if you don’t live in a designated flood zone, it’s still wise to consider flood insurance. Flash floods can occur unexpectedly, and standard homeowners insurance typically doesn’t cover flood damage.

Original article published May 2018. Updated content and references July 22, 2024.