Flooding is a coast to coast threat to the United States and its territories in all months of the year. National Flood Safety Awareness Week is intended to highlight some of the many ways floods can occur, the hazards associated with floods, and what you can do to save life and property.Flooding can be caused by a range of situations that include:
Seawater flooding – coastal areas may be flooded when a cyclone or severe storm causes a surge of sea water.
Tidal flooding – floods that are caused by high tides that coincide with higher than normal river levels.
Run-off from rivers and dams – flooding can be caused when river systems all need to carry more water at the one time following a snow-melt or when dams start to overflow.
Urban drainage – flash flooding is a serious problem in some cities when the drainage systems fail. People can be caught in stormwater drains, trapped in their cars or even swept off the roads by water.
Seawater flooding – coastal areas may be flooded when a cyclone or severe storm causes a surge of sea water.
Tidal flooding – floods that are caused by high tides that coincide with higher than normal river levels.
Run-off from rivers and dams – flooding can be caused when river systems all need to carry more water at the one time following a snow-melt or when dams start to overflow.
Urban drainage – flash flooding is a serious problem in some cities when the drainage systems fail. People can be caught in stormwater drains, trapped in their cars or even swept off the roads by water.
