What to Know About Flash Floods When Thunderstorms Are Present | SERVPRO® of Beaver County

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and standing water can be detrimental to your home's foundation. Drainage systems, like French drains, can help.

If your area is threatened by severe weather, you are likely concerned with lightning, hail and
high winds—and understandably so! However, it is also important to be aware of the dangers of
flash floods, including what they are and how to protect yourself against them.
Flash floods are the deadliest weather event in the United States, so it is extra important to be
on guard against them to keep your family safe.

### What Is a Flash Flood?
Like is indicated in the name, a flash flood happens extremely quickly. By definition, it has to
occur within six hours of heavy rainfall, though it often happens in under three hours.
Because flash floods come about so suddenly, there is generally little time for warning so that
people can get to safety, which is part of the reason why they are so incredibly dangerous.
Flash floods will often occur due to overwhelmed storm drains in urban areas, or rapidly rising
creeks and rivers in areas near the waterfront.

### How Will I Know If There Is a Flash Flood?
If your area is experiencing heavy rainfall, it is vital to stay tuned into local weather news outlets
to keep up with the rapidly changing conditions nearby. If a flash flood is a possibility, there will
either be a watch or a warning issued for the area that could potentially be impacted.

A Flash Flood Watch is issued if conditions are favorable for a flash flood, but one is not actively
occurring. If there is a Flash Flood Warning issued, flooding is imminent or actively occurring,
and you should seek higher ground immediately.

### Why Are Flash Floods Dangerous?
Flash floods are mostly dangerous because of how quickly they occur, but they are also
dangerous because people often do not realize what a threat they are. Walking or driving
through flood waters is a major hazard—a few inches of water that is moving quickly can knock
someone over and even carry away a car.
Flash floods are not something to be taken lightly, which is why it is a must to heed all watches
and warnings and seek higher ground should you be at risk.

*If you have flooding or storm damage, you can depend on us to help with the restoration.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can handle water damage
quickly.*