Top 3 Winter Flood Risks
Winter is upon us and that could mean some hazardous weather! Winter flooding often happens when heavy snowpack is followed by a warming period. Areas of the country including, IA, MN, WI and IL are predicted to have possible winter flooding this week due to the snow storms that hit last weekend. Big Bags USA® is here to warn you of the winter flooding risks and help you to be prepared for whatever the season my throw at us this year!
While you may think that spring showers are the biggest cause of flooding, the winter months pose quite a threat to widespread flooding across the United States. Let's take a look at a few things that could cause flooding in your area this winter:
1. Ice Jams
Long periods of below freezing temperatures can cause the surface of rivers to freeze. When the rise in water level or a thaw causes the ice to break into large chunks, the chunks can become jammed. This situation can result in severe flooding.
2. Snow Melt
A mid-winter thaw can produce large amounts of runoff in a short period of time. With nowhere to go, as the ground is hard and frozen, water runs off the surface and into nearby bodies of water. This causes these rivers, lakes and streams to overflow with water. This excess water is spilled over the banks causing flooding in those areas.
3. Heavy Rains
In addition to snow, heavy rains are common in many parts throughout the United States during the winter months. These storms can also lead to flooding. Wildfires in the western part of the county have dramatically changed the landscape, making those areas prone to flash flooding and mudflows during heavy rain conditions. In cold climates across the nation, heavy rains often follow heavy snow, leading to the snow melt issues mentioned above.
If you live near a river or lake, now is the time to get prepared! Even if you don't live by a body of water, but you're environment gets a lot of snow each year, you'll want to have some type of flood protection and flood mitigation plan in place. Floods can happen almost anywhere. They're not limited to coastal areas or to devastating tropical storms. Be prepared by purchasing flood insurance for your home and business. Be sure to take an inventory of all your belongings and also create an emergency plan for your family.
In 2014, we deployed 1650 feet of Big Bags USA® flood barriers in West Seneca, NY for ice dams which caused recurring flooding in certain neighborhoods. We're prepared to help you get through the harsh winter that is ahead. With it being an El Niño year, we can expect extremely wet conditions this winter season. Give Big Bags USA® a call at 800-337-0537 for more information about our protective flood barriers!
Winter Flood Risk
While you may think that spring showers are the biggest cause of flooding, the winter months pose quite a threat to widespread flooding across the United States. Let's take a look at a few things that could cause flooding in your area this winter:
1. Ice Jams
Long periods of below freezing temperatures can cause the surface of rivers to freeze. When the rise in water level or a thaw causes the ice to break into large chunks, the chunks can become jammed. This situation can result in severe flooding.
2. Snow Melt
A mid-winter thaw can produce large amounts of runoff in a short period of time. With nowhere to go, as the ground is hard and frozen, water runs off the surface and into nearby bodies of water. This causes these rivers, lakes and streams to overflow with water. This excess water is spilled over the banks causing flooding in those areas.
3. Heavy Rains
In addition to snow, heavy rains are common in many parts throughout the United States during the winter months. These storms can also lead to flooding. Wildfires in the western part of the county have dramatically changed the landscape, making those areas prone to flash flooding and mudflows during heavy rain conditions. In cold climates across the nation, heavy rains often follow heavy snow, leading to the snow melt issues mentioned above.
Be Prepared!
If you live near a river or lake, now is the time to get prepared! Even if you don't live by a body of water, but you're environment gets a lot of snow each year, you'll want to have some type of flood protection and flood mitigation plan in place. Floods can happen almost anywhere. They're not limited to coastal areas or to devastating tropical storms. Be prepared by purchasing flood insurance for your home and business. Be sure to take an inventory of all your belongings and also create an emergency plan for your family.
Big Bags USA® Flood Protection
In 2014, we deployed 1650 feet of Big Bags USA® flood barriers in West Seneca, NY for ice dams which caused recurring flooding in certain neighborhoods. We're prepared to help you get through the harsh winter that is ahead. With it being an El Niño year, we can expect extremely wet conditions this winter season. Give Big Bags USA® a call at 800-337-0537 for more information about our protective flood barriers!
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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