Flood Watches and Warnings: What Do They Mean

Flooding occurs when an abnormal amount of water engulfs normally dry land. It is the deadliest severe weather event and there are several types of flooding that can occur. 

1. River flood: caused by water levels rising over riverbanks due to rainfall 
2. Coastal flood: caused by above average high tides 
3. Storm surge: caused by above average high tides due to storms 
4. Inland flood: caused by the accumulation of heavy rains over a few days 
5. Flash flood: caused by the accumulation of heavy and excessive rains within hours

The National Weather Service releases 4 alerts related to flooding categorized under Flood Warnings (Flash Flood Warnings and Flood Warnings) and Flood Watches (Flood Advisories and Flood Watches).

Flash Flood Warnings are issued when a flash flood, a flood that comes about suddenly and violently, is imminent or occurring.

Flood Warnings are issued when a flood, often tied to another severe weather event, is imminent or occurring.

Flood Advisories are issued when a weather event may cause flooding and that flooding will not be dangerous enough to cause a warning.

Flood Watches are issued when a weather event may cause flooding.

Remember, when approaching a flooded roadway: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”

Source: weather.gov
Image: Flooding in Black Duck Creek, 2022. (16 April 2022, Kerry Raymond)