Flash Flooding and River Flooding

 

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Flooding and Flash Flooding are the number one weather related killer! 

 

Most flood deaths occur at night and when

people become trapped in automobiles that stall in areas that are flooded.

 

Flash floods occur within a few minutes or up to 6 hours after excessive rainfall, a dam or levee failure, or a sudden release of water held by an ice jam or mud slide. Flash floods can tear out trees and destroy buildings and bridges.

 

Because flash floods happen in a short period of time, generally less than six hours, they are more life threatening than general floods or river flooding.  Areas most susceptible to flash

flooding are mountainous streams and rivers, urban areas, low-lying areas, storm drains, and culverts. The mountain regions of middle and east Tennessee have potentially more flash flood problems than west Tennessee but all parts of the state are susceptible.

 

The National Weather Service issues a Flood Watch when conditions are detected that can result in either flood or flash flooding within a designated area, but the occurrence is neither certain nor imminent. 

 

Persons in the watch area are advised to check flood action plans, keep informed, and be ready to take action if a warning is issued or flooding is observed.

 

 

A Flash Flood Warning is issued when flash flooding has been reported or is imminent. It focuses on specific communities, streams or areas where flooding is imminent or occurring.