Flash floods are a type of rapid flooding that occurs in low-lying areas like washes, rivers, dry lakes, and depressions.
If you commonly hear about flash floods in your area, here’s everything you should know about their causes and risk factors.
1. What are flash floods?
Flash floods are those that begin within 6 hours (or sometimes even 3 hours) of heavy rainfall or another cause.
They’re often characterized by raging torrents following heavy rains.
These rip through riverbeds, urban streets, or mountain canyons and sweep up everything before them.
In some cases, flash flooding can occur within minutes of excessive rainfall or even occur without rainfall at all if a levee or dam has failed.
Flash floods are distinguished from regular floods by a timescale of fewer than six hours between rainfall and the onset of flooding.
2. What are the five main types of floods?
There are five primary types of floods.
The first is flash floods, which we’ll talk more about in this article.
We’ll also explain the other four types: river, coastal, groundwater, and sewage floods.
In general, flash floods cause a greater loss of life.
On the other hand, river floods often cause a greater loss of property.
Flash floods occur when runoff from excessive rainfall (or some other event) causes a rapid rise in water height.
These floods are common in areas with a dry climate, rocky terrain, or lots of manmade land features that cause the land to lack soil or vegetation.
Typically, this soil or vegetation would absorb the water, but when they aren’t present, the water often flows over the land instead.
River flooding is more common in areas with large rivers and wetter climates.
Excessive runoff from longer-lasting rainstorms and melting snow can cause the water level to rise over a large area.
Coastal flooding is an accumulation of water on land caused by waves, tides, storm surges, or heavy rainfall.
These areas are often prone to flooding because of how close they are to the ocean.
Groundwater flooding occurs due to inundated drainage systems by significant rain that causes water to overflow into the streets and nearby properties.
Generally, you’ll see groundwater flooding occur gradually, and the water level will be shallow initially.
This gives homeowners time to remove their possessions.
Unfortunately, this type of flooding can persist for weeks until the soil can absorb the standing water present.
Sewage flooding is caused when unexpected heavy rainfall overwhelms sewage systems or treatment plants.
This causes them to break down and release untreated sewage into water bodies.
This type of flood is particularly hazardous because the water often contains harmful bacteria and chemicals that cause infections, diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and other diseases.
3. What are the causes of flash floods?
Flash floods can be caused by the following:
Heavy rain
Severe thunderstorm
Hurricane
Tropical storm
Meltwater from ice or snow that flows over ice sheets or snowfields
The collapse of a natural ice dam, debris dam, or manmade dam
Volcanic eruptions
Human activities
Flash floods often occur in the highest mountain ranges in the U.S. as well as arid plains in the Southwestern part of the country.
4. What are the impacts of flash floods?
Flash floods both occur and dissipate quickly.
While an overwhelming amount of water is often an issue, it’s not the only problem associated with this extreme weather event.
Here are the common impacts of flash floods.
Death or serious injury
Flash floods are fast and unpredictable.
They occur without warning, and people are often killed or seriously injured by these natural disasters.
They’re made even riskier by the fact that they often occur at night when people are sleeping.
According to the National Weather Service, flash floods are the #1 weather-related killer in the U.S.
Immediate property damage
Flash floods can carry large debris like boulders in their waters.
This often causes heavy structural damage to homes and vehicles.
Long-term property damage
Unfortunately, rooms, vehicles, and all other property that encounters flood waters are at risk for permanent damage.
None of these may be salvageable because of the moisture that invaded them, and trying to save them will only result in harmful mold or mildew.
Vehicles have similar issues, and they’re often irreparable because of water damage to the engine.
Loss of critical infrastructure
Large debris and floodwater can cause structural damage to bridges and roadways.
This will make travel impossible, which challenges evacuation or later rebuilding.
Flash floods often take out power, telephone, and cable lines.
They can also disrupt or contaminate groundwater, which means the community isn’t able to consume tap water.
Deposited sediment and silt
When a flash flood occurs, the accumulated water picks up and carries sand, silt, and other debris as they travel.
As the velocity of the flash flood begins to slow, it’ll deposit the debris that it picked up.
This silt and debris can make travel difficult, and it can also be expensive to remove from where it ends up.
Uninsured or under-insured homeowners
Flash floods aren’t often considered when homeowners insure their homes.
It’s important to know that regular homeowners’ and renters’ insurance doesn’t cover flood damage.
You must purchase flood-specific insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Economic losses
Unfortunately, flash floods can cause a lot of damage.
This will affect the local economy and prevent local businesses from opening or keep customers from getting to those businesses.
5. Are flash floods serious?
When people hear about flash flooding, most don’t worry.
They associate it with severe rain and think they should just stay off the roads for a little while.
However, flash floods are a more significant hazard than most people believe.
They cause more fatalities in the U.S. in an average year than lightning, tornadoes, or hurricanes.
These are severe weather events that should draw your attention.
If local officials say to evacuate, you should heed their advice without hesitation.
Flash floods may also deposit large quantities of sediments on floodplains.
This can be destructive to vegetation that isn’t adapted to frequent flood conditions.
6. What are the different flood warnings that you may hear?
Understanding the difference between flood warnings can help you know how to stay safe.
Flood Watch or Flash Flood Watch
A “watch” means that flooding or flash flooding in your area is possible.
Be on the lookout for changing weather conditions, including flooding.
You may need to move to higher ground that isn’t impacted by flooding.
Flood Warning
A warning indicates that a flood is about to occur.
You should avoid all low-lying areas and evacuate if necessary.
Flash Flood Warning
Flash flood warnings indicate that this type of flood is imminent.
You should seek higher ground immediately.
7. What areas are most at-risk of flash floods?
Flash floods are more likely in densely populated areas.
This is because of the amount of area that’s covered by buildings, highways, driveways, and parking lots.
These features increase the runoff and reduce the amount of rain that can be absorbed by the ground.
8. Which cities in the U.S. are most vulnerable to flooding?
Are you worried about this natural disaster creeping up on you?
Check to see if your city is among the top impacted cities.
Saint Petersburg, Florida
Santa Clara, California
Brownsville, Texas
Salinas, California
Modesto, California
Cape Coral, Florida
Midland, Texas
Fairfield, California
San Jose, California
Clearwater, Florida
Corpus Christi, Texas
Hayward, California
Concord, California
Sacramento, California
Stockton, California
Antioch, California
Orlando, Florida
Roseville, California
San Diego, California
Surprise, Arizona
9. What are flash flood safety tips?
Depending on whether you’re in a flash flood watching or warning, you should take different steps.
Here’s what you should keep in mind.
For flash flood watches, consider the following:
Listening to a local news station for the latest information
Following instructions given by public safety officials
Staying alert to changing weather conditions
Being ready to move to higher ground when/if necessary
Postponing outdoor activities
Tying down or bringing in outdoor objects like patio furniture, children’s toys, trash cans, etc. that could be swept away or damaged during flash floods
Unplugging sensitive electronic equipment before flooding occurs (avoid touching any electronic equipment if you’re wet or standing in water for your own safety)
Elevating items stored in your basement to prevent damage
Checking if your sump pump is working
Clearing street catch basins to prevent or reduce street flooding
Avoiding camping or parking along streams, rivers, creeks, or other areas that are prone to flooding (these areas are often prone to rapid flooding with little warning)
For flash flood warnings, consider the following:
Moving to higher ground or staying on high ground
Checking for emergency information on local news stations
Following instructions from public safety officials (do not hesitate to evacuate if advised to do so)
Taking only essential items when evacuating from your home
Bringing your pets if safe to do so
Remembering the following when traveling during flooding:
- Do not walk through flowing water
- Even six inches of swiftly moving water can knock you off your feet
- The phrase “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” is often used during floods to remind drivers not to drive through flooded roads (cars can be swept away in only two feet of moving water)
- If your vehicle becomes trapped in moving water, stay inside and seek refuge on the roof if necessary
- Do not drive around road barriers as this is a sign that roads and bridges may be washed out or structurally unsound
Listening to advice if told to shelter in place and being prepared to evacuate as conditions can change swiftly
10. What should you do after flash floods?
If you’ve never experienced a flash flood previously, you may feel uncertain about the next steps.
Take the following actions to remain safe and check for damage.
Monitor the media for emergency information
Follow instructions from public safety officials
Only return home when authorities state it’s safe to do so
Call 911 to report emergencies like downed power lines and gas leaks
Call 211 to learn about essential community services and obtain shelter locations and other disaster information
Check on family, friends, or neighbors with the elderly or disabled in mind
Steer clear of downed utility wires and assume a downed power line is live (electrocution is a serious danger when a flood occurs)
Don’t drive through flooded roads
Stay away from damaged buildings and off impacted roads or areas until it’s been deemed safe by authorities
Report power outages to your utility company
Look before you step because debris and mud can cover floors and stairs, making them unsafe
Learn if your water supply is safe to drink, and if not, boil your water for at least one minute before using it for consumption of any kind
Throw away food (including canned items) that has come into contact with floodwaters (food from flooded gardens shouldn’t be consumed either)
Check for damage in your home
- Avoid touching electrical equipment while you’re wet or standing in water
- Have wells checked for contamination before using
- Have damaged septic tanks or leaching systems repaired as soon as possible
- Take photos of your home (if damaged) and contact your insurance company
Avoid entering moving or standing floodwaters as they can be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage
Clean and disinfect anything that got wet by floodwaters (wear appropriate protective equipment (gloves, safety glasses, and face masks) while you do this)
11. How should you clean your home after a severe flash flood?
Flash floods can be incredibly damaging to property.
If you’re returning home after a flash flood, you should always clean and disinfect anything that got wet.
While cleaning, you should wear gloves, safety glasses, and face masks.
Here’s how you can clean items yourself.
When in doubt, hire a professional cleaning and repair service before attempting to repair flood-damaged property.
Wash flooded floors and walls with a solution of two capfuls of household bleach for each gallon of water
Hire a professional cleaner to dispose of or disinfect the carpeting, mattress, and upholstered furniture in your home
Remove and replace any drywall or other paneling that has been underwater
- You can use a moisture meter to ensure wooden studs and framing are dry before replacing the drywall
- This will help prevent mold growth which is a significant health hazard
Final Thoughts
When it comes to flash floods, the greatest danger is often that it occurs quickly.
Within 6 hours of heavy rainfall, homeowners must be prepared to act in case the amount of water on the ground becomes dangerous.
Don’t ever underestimate the power of a flood.
It can move boulders, pull out trees, destroy bridges, and trigger mudslides.
Always heed the warnings and advice of local authorities and evacuate if necessary.
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Disclaimer: we are not lawyers, accountants, or financial advisors and the information in this article is for informational purposes only. This article is based on our research and experience and we do our best to keep it accurate and up-to-date, but it may contain errors. Please be sure to consult a legal or financial professional before making any investment decisions.
Prior to starting Gokce Capital, Erika received a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California and a graduate degree in Urban Policy from Columbia University. She worked as both an architectural designer and engineer in New York before joining the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development.
Erika currently lives in the New York Metropolitan area with her spouse, daughter and cat. She is originally from Chicago and still considers herself a midwesterner at heart.
Erika also loves to read, write and travel (fun fact, she has visited all 50 states and more than 30 countries!). Her new book, Land Investing Mistakes: 11 True Stories You Need To Know Before Buying Land, is now available on Amazon.