Flooding and Flash Flooding

Updated 8/22/22, 12:51 pm

Floods are the most common hazards in North Central Texas. There can be many causes of floods - heavy rainfall, soil saturation, inadequate drainage, and more.

Flood vs. Flash Flood - what's the difference?

Flash flooding occurs as the result of heavy rain events and happens very quickly. Regular flooding occurs as the result of a more prolonged rain event, lake overflow, or dam failure. 

Flash Flooding Safety Tips

• Avoid already flooded areas, especially those with high-velocity flow.
• Move to higher ground if you are in an area subject to flooding. Do not park your car along rivers and streams, particularly during threatening conditions. 
• Never drive through flooded roadways or by barricades.
• If your vehicle stalls, leave your vehicle behind and seek higher ground.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers. 

Know the Terms:

• Flood - any high flow, overflow, or inundation by water, which causes or threatens damage. 
• Flood Warning - Issued to indicate flooding along larger streams where there is a serious threat to life or property. 
• Flood Watch - Issued to indicate current and developing conditions are such that there is a threat of flooding.
• Flash Flood - a rapid and extreme flow of high water in a normally dry area, or rapid water level rise in a stream or creek above a predetermined flood level. 
• Flash Flood Watch - Issued to indicate current or developing conditions that are favorable for flash flooding in the watch area. Flash flooding is not certain or imminent.
• Flash Flood Warning - Issued to indicate that flash flooding is in progress, imminent, or highly likely.