Floods

Many people do not realize that floods are the number-one natural disaster in the U.S., causing the greatest property damage and number of deaths each year. They occur in all parts of the country, in all seasons. Flood effects can be local or regional, affecting multiple states. Many times flooding comes on the tail of another disaster, such as coastal storm surges from a hurricane or tropical storm.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, most flood-related deaths are due to flash floods. Half of these deaths are vehicle-related. Most flash floods are caused by heavy rains during storms and can occur with little warning. Regional floods can be triggered by snowmelts mixed with winter or spring rains, often in mountainous regions. Dam and levee breaks can also cause major flooding with dangerously quick currents.

Flooding can happen anywhere, but some areas (such as on the coast or downstream from a dam) are particularly vulnerable. In high-risk areas residents are advised to elevate and reinforce their schools, install check-valves in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into drains, and take other proactive measures. Have an Emergency Supply Kit on hand and a Family Emergency Plan in place, and pay close attention to weather forecasts- even dried up river beds can flood from heavy rain.

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a flood hazard. A Flash Flood Watch means that flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information. A Flash Flood Warning means that a flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

Download Tsunami/Flood Checklist (pdf)

States affected:

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

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