5 Different Types of Floods
Whether you live on the coast or in the Midwest, all areas are susceptible to flooding. There are several different types of floods that affect each of these different areas. With the increase in rain we've seen with the start of spring, BIG BAGS USA® wants to make sure you are prepared for any type of flooding that may occur in your area. Take a look at these 5 different types of floods below.
A river flood occurs when water levels rise over the top of a river bank. This could be due to:
A coastal flood, or the inundation of land areas along the coast, is caused by a higher than average high tide and worsened by heavy rainfall and onshore winds. For example, wind blowing landward from the ocean. Places like Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, experience impacts from shallow coastal flooding several times a year because of coastal development and lower elevation.
Storm surge is an abnormal rise in water level in coastal areas, over and above the regular astronomical tide. This is caused by forces generated from a severe storm's wind, waves and low atmospheric pressure. Storm surge is extremely dangerous, because it is capable of flooding large coastal areas. Extreme flooding can occur in coastal areas particularly when storm surge coincides with normal high tide, resulting in storm tides reaching up to 20 feet or more in some cases. Along the coast, storm surge is often the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 is a prime example of the damage that can be caused by storm surge.
Inland flooding occurs when:
A flash flood is caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than 6 hours. Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains that rip through river beds, urban streets or mountain canyons sweeping everything before them. They can occur within anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours of excessive rainfall. Rainfall is not necessary for a flash flood to occur. Flash flooding can also be caused by the following:
BIG BAGS USA® is here to help you with all your flood preparation needs! Our flood barrier systems can easily be stockpiled so they are ready to be used in an emergency situation. The flexibility of the barrier allows the product to be used on any and all surfaces without the need for trenching or leveling to get a water-tight seal. For more information on how BIG BAGS USA® can help you and your community, contact us at 800-337-0537 today!
1. River Flood
A river flood occurs when water levels rise over the top of a river bank. This could be due to:
- excessive rain from tropical systems making landfall;
- persistent thunderstorms over the same area for extended periods of time;
- combined rainfall and snowmelt;
- or an ice jam.
2. Coastal Flood
A coastal flood, or the inundation of land areas along the coast, is caused by a higher than average high tide and worsened by heavy rainfall and onshore winds. For example, wind blowing landward from the ocean. Places like Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, experience impacts from shallow coastal flooding several times a year because of coastal development and lower elevation.
3. Storm Surge
Storm surge is an abnormal rise in water level in coastal areas, over and above the regular astronomical tide. This is caused by forces generated from a severe storm's wind, waves and low atmospheric pressure. Storm surge is extremely dangerous, because it is capable of flooding large coastal areas. Extreme flooding can occur in coastal areas particularly when storm surge coincides with normal high tide, resulting in storm tides reaching up to 20 feet or more in some cases. Along the coast, storm surge is often the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 is a prime example of the damage that can be caused by storm surge.
4. Inland Flooding
Inland flooding occurs when:
- moderate precipitation accumulates over several days;
- intense precipitation falls over a short period of time;
- or a river overflows because of an ice or debris jam, or dam or levee failure.
Hurricane Floyd, aided by Tropical Storm Dennis, in 1999 caused widespread severe flooding that cause the majority of the $3-$6 billion in damage reported after those storms.
5. Flash Flood
A flash flood is caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than 6 hours. Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains that rip through river beds, urban streets or mountain canyons sweeping everything before them. They can occur within anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours of excessive rainfall. Rainfall is not necessary for a flash flood to occur. Flash flooding can also be caused by the following:
- a levee or dam fails;
- or a sudden release of water by a debris or ice jam.
BIG BAGS USA® is here to help you with all your flood preparation needs! Our flood barrier systems can easily be stockpiled so they are ready to be used in an emergency situation. The flexibility of the barrier allows the product to be used on any and all surfaces without the need for trenching or leveling to get a water-tight seal. For more information on how BIG BAGS USA® can help you and your community, contact us at 800-337-0537 today!
If you have an immediate need for our systems, or have any questions for us, please Call us Toll Free at 1-800-337-0537 or visit www.BigBagsUSA.com.
If you have an immediate need for our systems, or have any questions for us, please Call us Toll Free at 1-800-337-0537 or visit www.BigBagsUSA.com.
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