Officials at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) report that
fully 98% of counties in the United States have experienced severe flooding at one one time or another in their history.
A FEMA fact sheet expresses this risk in more plain and simple terms: “Anywhere
it can rain, it can flood.”
To inform you of a potential flood event and necessary flood safety measures, the National Weather Service (NWS)
issues bulletins keyed to areas located along specific bodies of water such as
rivers or coastal regions, as well as on a county-by-county basis across the
entire country. Here are the levels of NWS alerts regarding flooding:
Flood Watch
This is the preliminary alert to make you aware of conditions that could
potentially cause flooding. Typically, a flood watch is issued to cover a time
frame of 24 to 48 hours. The watch will state that flooding could possibly take
place in a designated general area. A flood watch does not mean flooding is
already occurring, nor is it a guarantee that it will occur. If your home is in
an area covered by a flood watch, it's a good idea to keep a radio or
television tuned in to potential updates in the event you are advised to take
additional action.
Flood Warning
This means flooding in your area is already occurring or is imminent. The
alert includes vital information such as forecasted conditions, duration that
the warning is in effect, evacuation advisories, information about blocked
roads and locations of emergency shelters. If a flood warning is issued, follow
the information provided in the warning and take immediate action to evacuate
the area or move to higher ground.
Flash Flood Warning
These alerts warn of rapidly-developing flash floods that can turn dry conditions
into a life-threatening danger zone in a matter of only minutes. You will be
advised to move to nearest higher ground without any delay. There may not be
time to evacuate to any remote location. Flash flood warnings should never be
disregarded, even if it's not raining at your specific location at that moment.
