Common Winter Flooding Problems Across the U.S.
The holidays are fast approaching and the winter season is upon us. Along with the change of season, comes new flooding risks. In today's blog, Big Bags USA® discusses a few of the common winter flooding issues we see each year across the country. Our flood barrier systems are here to help you be prepared for these situations and mitigate any damages.
While winter is typically associated with snow, ice and brutally cold temperatures, sometimes we see some bursts of warm weather, and along with it, rain. All these different weather events work together to contribute to winter flooding. Snowmelt flooding, ice jams and river flooding, as well as flooded neighborhoods and roads are all something to watch out for this winter season.
When unseasonable warmth arrives, it will often melt much of the snow on the ground, causing the ground to become saturated and the rivers to swell. In addition, the warmer air will rise over colder air resulting in rain clouds. Add rain to the melting snow and rivers can easily become flooded. Intense winter storms moving north from the Gulf & the Atlantic bring moist air and heavy rain to areas across the Northeast.
Another winter flooding problem is caused by ice jams on rivers. The freezing temperatures that are seen in areas across the country this time of year can cause ice to form on rivers. Since that ice is much lighter than the river water, it tends to float along the top of the river. Under pressure, that ice breaks, floats down river and can cause an ice jam downstream. When water builds up behind that ice jam, we see the river level start to rise and eventually overflow. If the pressure behind the ice jam becomes too strong, the ice jam can burst causing an excess flow of water at a very fast past, which can cause flash flooding. In some severe cases, huge chunks of ice can be pushed by flood waters onto the shore and through houses and buildings.
Another flooding problem that affects certain areas that receive excess snow fall is the mounds of plowed snow. Severe flooding of roads can occur when mounds of plowed snow and ice block and plug up the grates and storm drains in neighborhoods. When this happens, the water on the pavement has nowhere to go. This standing water can be dangerous, especially if temperatures drop below freezing and cause black ice to form.
The Big Bags USA® flood barrier system is field tested and proven to protect against ice jams, moving logs and other floating river debris. Communities along rivers that can easily be impacted by winter river flooding should invest in flood protection such as Big Bags USA®. Flood mitigation is much more affordable than cleaning up damages after the fact. To learn more about our innovative flood protection products, visit our website or give us a call at 1-800-337-0537.
Winter Weather
While winter is typically associated with snow, ice and brutally cold temperatures, sometimes we see some bursts of warm weather, and along with it, rain. All these different weather events work together to contribute to winter flooding. Snowmelt flooding, ice jams and river flooding, as well as flooded neighborhoods and roads are all something to watch out for this winter season.
Snowmelt Flooding
When unseasonable warmth arrives, it will often melt much of the snow on the ground, causing the ground to become saturated and the rivers to swell. In addition, the warmer air will rise over colder air resulting in rain clouds. Add rain to the melting snow and rivers can easily become flooded. Intense winter storms moving north from the Gulf & the Atlantic bring moist air and heavy rain to areas across the Northeast.
Ice Jam Flooding
Another winter flooding problem is caused by ice jams on rivers. The freezing temperatures that are seen in areas across the country this time of year can cause ice to form on rivers. Since that ice is much lighter than the river water, it tends to float along the top of the river. Under pressure, that ice breaks, floats down river and can cause an ice jam downstream. When water builds up behind that ice jam, we see the river level start to rise and eventually overflow. If the pressure behind the ice jam becomes too strong, the ice jam can burst causing an excess flow of water at a very fast past, which can cause flash flooding. In some severe cases, huge chunks of ice can be pushed by flood waters onto the shore and through houses and buildings.
Flooded Neighborhoods
Another flooding problem that affects certain areas that receive excess snow fall is the mounds of plowed snow. Severe flooding of roads can occur when mounds of plowed snow and ice block and plug up the grates and storm drains in neighborhoods. When this happens, the water on the pavement has nowhere to go. This standing water can be dangerous, especially if temperatures drop below freezing and cause black ice to form.
The Big Bags USA® flood barrier system is field tested and proven to protect against ice jams, moving logs and other floating river debris. Communities along rivers that can easily be impacted by winter river flooding should invest in flood protection such as Big Bags USA®. Flood mitigation is much more affordable than cleaning up damages after the fact. To learn more about our innovative flood protection products, visit our website or give us a call at 1-800-337-0537.
MADE IN THE USA ~ 100% Manufactured in Missouri ~ BUY AMERICAN
MADE IN THE USA ~ 100% Manufactured in Missouri ~ BUY AMERICAN
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