Flooding is an overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods can happen during heavy rains, when ocean waves come on shore, when snow melts quickly, or when dams or levees break. Damaging flooding may happen with only a few inches of water, or it may cover a house to the rooftop.

Floods can happen on flat or low-lying areas when water is supplied by rainfall or snowmelt more rapidly than it can either infiltrate or run off. The excess accumulates in place, sometimes to hazardous depths.

Nov 3, 2023 · It’s typically caused by the overflow of coastal or inland waters (like rivers and streams) or by an unusual accumulation of water from heavy or prolonged rains, storm surges, or sudden snowmelt....

Dec 5, 2024 · Many different situations can cause a flood. Here are just a few: Heavy rainfall; Ocean waves coming on shore, such as a storm surge; Melting snow and ice, as well as ice jams; Dams or levees breaking; Geography can also make an area more likely to flood. For example, areas near rivers are often at risk for floods.

Click on a state to learn more about the types of flooding experienced there and how residents can protect their lives and property. You will also find information on the top 5 floods for each state, learn which National Weather Service offices forecast for the area and more!

Sep 26, 2023 · It describes the types of flooding, the contribution of climate change, historical trends of flood impacts and costs, the role of exposure to rising flood costs, and social vulnerability to flooding—which leads to uneven impacts of …

5 days ago · Flooding is a longer term event than flash flooding: it may last days or weeks. Flash flood: A flood caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than 6 hours. Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains that rip through river beds, urban streets, or mountain canyons sweeping ...

Mar 2, 2024 · Increases in total and extreme precipitation raises flood risk in specific regions. Floods cause the second highest annual death rates among weather-related hazards, mainly due to drowning. Droughts also pose a public health and safety risk.

Move to higher ground if flooding threatens your area. If you live or work in flood-prone areas, remain alert during periods of heavy rain. Be especially cautious at night as it is harder to recognize flood dangers. Never drive your car into water of unknown depth. Most flash flood deaths occur when people drive their vehicles into flood waters.

Jan 14, 2025 · Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common disaster in the United States. Failing to evacuate flooded areas or entering flood waters can lead to injury or death. Floods may: Result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges and overflows of dams and other water systems.