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What's the difference between a flash flood watch and warning?
Direct Energy, October 6, 2023
5 minute read
What's the difference between a flash flood watch and warning?
Direct Energy, October 6, 2023
5 minute read
Tornadoes, lightning, hurricanes — all forms of severe weather can be deadly if proper safety precautions aren't taken. Flash floods are particularly threatening, and besides heat-related deaths, they cause more fatalities each year than any other climate hazard.
If you live in a region where flash floods are common, stay safe by learning the difference between a flood watch and a warning, as well as what to do when a flash flood is likely to occur.
Understanding the difference between a flash flood warning and a flash flood watch is important. These two alerts' definitions differ from those of warnings and watches for other severe weather conditions, such as hurricanes. And you definitely shouldn't assume you know the difference between a watch and a warning just because you are familiar with winter storms.
It’s confusing, we know. If you’re watching a flood coming, shouldn’t that result in a warning? Well, not exactly.
When a flood is incoming, a flash flood watch is issued first. This means that current weather conditions will likely result in flooding. While a watch does not guarantee that a flash flood will occur, it is an excellent indication that your community will experience severe weather, like a thunderstorm, that has a high likelihood of bringing flood waters with it.
When conditions become clearer, a flash flood warning is issued, meaning a flash flood is either imminent or occurring. In some cases, a flash flood occurred so quickly that there wasn't enough time to send a flood warning alert.
Depending on your location, plenty of places may be more susceptible to flooding than others.
For example, if you live in a more rural area, flash floods commonly occur in places like streams, rivers and low-lying roads.
Urban areas can also be very dangerous, with flooding happening in canals, storm drains and low-lying streets where drainage is overflowing.
If you find yourself in these conditions, you should stay away from these areas. Move to higher ground if you can and do not try and drive in these areas.
Most flash-flood fatalities occur because people either underestimate the power of fast-moving water or are unprepared for an emergency. Follow these six tips before and during a flash flood to keep your family safe during severe weather.
Flash floods are a serious, life-threatening weather hazard. To learn more tips about flood safety, visit the National Weather Service today.
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