Floods

What are the hazards of walking or driving a vehicle through floodwaters?

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Floodwaters can be deeper than they appear. Swift moving water only 15 cm. (6 in.) deep can force people to lose their balance. Automobiles can be swept away in water that is only 60 cm. (2 ft.) deep.

Source: NOAA and NWS

What should I know about inland flooding caused by hurricanes/tropical cyclones?

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Heavy rainfall is associated with slower moving storms as slower moving hurricanes/tropical cyclones allow heavy rain to persist over a particular area. Over the last 30 years, inland freshwater floods have accounted for 59% of hurricane-related deaths in the United States. There is a danger of flash floods in creeks, streams, or in urban areas (insufficient storm drain systems, etc.). Streets can become rivers with strong currents and underpasses can become deathtraps. River flooding associated with these storms can last over a week in extreme cases.

Source: NOAA and NWS

Who must purchase flood insurance?

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In the U.S., under the National Flood Insurance Act, lenders must require borrowers whose property is located within one of the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs; areas with the greatest risk of flooding) to purchase flood insurance as a condition of receiving a federally regulated mortgage loan. Lenders should notify borrowers that their property is located in an SFHA and that National Flood Insurance is required.

Source: NOAA and NWS

What is the National Flood Insurance Program?

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In 1968, the U.S. Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in response to the increasing amount of damage caused by floods and to the rising cost of taxpayer-funded relief for flood victims. Flooding causes more damage in the United States than any other severe weather related event, costing an average of $5 billion a year. One can purchase National Flood Insurance from private insurance companies and agents. Your homeowner’s insurance carrier is good a place to start for information.

Source: NOAA and NWS

What should I know about flood insurance?

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Flood losses aren't covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. Under a flood insurance policy, a flood is defined as any rising water that enters a building or structure from outside that building or structure regardless of the source of the water. The cause of flooding can include clogged city storm drains, broken fire hydrants, and burst water mains.

Source: NOAA and NWS

How are river forecasts made?

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Hydrologists use computer models to produce river forecasts. For example, each model produced by NOAA in the U.S. incorporates any new rainfall in the last 24 hours and any forecast of expected rainfall during the next 24 hours. If any heavy rain has fallen since the previous forecast, this information will likely be included in the new forecast.

Source: NOAA and NWS

What is a river forecast?

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A river forecast is a report of the amount of water flowing through a certain point along a river. The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) maintains forecasts of hundreds of points determined to be at high risk for flooding conditions. The NWS relies heavily on a network of river gages operated by the US Geological Survey (USGS). Data is received from these river gages either by phone telemetry or satellite. During flooding, USGS technicians are out in the river areas taking flow measurements and relaying the information back to the NWS and other agencies.

How can I find out how severe a flood is likely to be?

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There are three flood severity categories used by the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS). They are minor flooding, moderate flooding, and major flooding. Each category has a definition based on probable property damage and the threat to public safety. Once a river reaches flood stage (the point where water has risen enough to cause damage), the NWS issues warnings.

How can I find out if I am in danger from a flood or if flooding has already occurred in nearby locations?

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In the United States, there are two excellent ways to get information on flood warnings. NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather and river information direct from nearby National Weather Service (NWS) offices. Also, the NWS web page provides forecasts and warning and identifies where flooding is occurring (http://water.weather.gov/ahps/).

Source: NOAA and NWS

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