Flood Watches Vs. Flood Warnings

By: Dan Bickford | News Channel 7
Published: January 06, 2009 | 0 Comments | Post a Comment

With the exception of heat-related fatalities, flooding typically causes more deaths than any other weather hazard. Rain falling too fast in too short a period of time...or longer term rain that leads to high water levels...can lead to flooding. The National Weather Service will issue flash flood or flood watches and warnings to address the potential. Here's a brief discussion of the difference between the two.

A watch indicates that the potential exists for flooding to occur. This can be the result of either a forecast for heavy rain, a saturated ground that can't hold any rain, or a combination of the two that may lead to flooding problems. Watches are issued over periods of time ranging from six hours to a couple of days, depending on how long the threat will last. What you need to do is just keep an eye to the sky...if rain gets heavy, flooding may be around the corner. Flooding can also occur away from areas hit with heavy rain; if you're on a river or stream and a cloudburst occurs upstream from your location, your water levels may rise dramatically...keep an eye on what the water is doing.

A warning indicates that flooding is occurring or is imminent. Warnings are issued for however long the flooding is expected to last: might be an hour or two if the water runs off quickly, it might be days in a severe flooding situation. Flooding could occur near rivers and streams, in low lying areas, or any area with poor drainage...including urban areas with backed-up storm drains. Immediate action should be taken: get yourself to higher ground if you are near rising water, avoid areas that typically flood in times of heavy rain, and use extra caution if traveling.

The majority of flooding fatalities are from people who try to drive through high water, only to get washed downstream. High water may hide a missing roadbed; six inches of moving water may be enough to push a car. The catchphrase is "Turn Around, Don't Drown"...steer clear of these areas and find alternate routes.