All floods can be devastating, but flash floods are particularly treacherous. Flash floods can happen without warning, giving people little time to prepare.
According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, a flash flood is a rapid rise of water along a stream or low-lying area. It usually results from heavy rainfall that causes rivers and streams to swell and overflow their banks. It may also result from dam or levee failures. Flash flood waters can roll boulders, move cars, and destroy buildings and bridges. Unfortunately, densely populated areas are at most risk, as roads, parking lots, and buildings reduce the amount of rain the ground can absorb, intensifying flood effects.
Flash flood waters don’t need to be particularly high to cause devastation. According to one report, it only takes six inches of fast flowing water to sweep a person off their feet and only 23 inches to move a four-wheel drive vehicle (!).
In January 2011, a flash flood swept through the town of Toowoomba, Australia. Here is some remarkable footage from that disaster to give you a sense of the power of flash floods:
Protect your home from flash and other floods. Our FEMA compliant flood vents allow water to flow through your home which helps maintain the integrity of your home’s foundation. Contact Flood Solutions to learn more.
