Photo courtesy of the

City of Fort Collins

Flash Flooding
Pre-reading

Questions: What do you know about the subject of this reading? What more would you like to know about it?
Definitions: Hazard something that can cause harm or injury
Topography the surface features of an area of land, like hills, mountains, valleys, rivers, etc.
Obvious clear, easy to see

Reading
According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, flooding accounts for or is involved with
14 three quarters of Federal Disaster declarations. Floods generally claim about 140 lives each year, making
29 them the most deadly kind of weather in the U.S. They are also responsible for more damage to property
48 each year than any other type of weather hazard.
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Most flood deaths are due to flash floods. The difference between flooding and flash flooding is

73 that flooding is a long term event lasting a week or more. Whereas flash flooding occurs within six hours of
93 the rain event.
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Several factors contribute to flash flooding. The two main factors are the rate of rainfall and how

113 long the rain lasts. Other factors are topography, soil conditions, and ground cover. Flash floods occur
129 within a few minutes or hours of: heavy rainfall, a dam or levee failure, or a sudden release of water by an
151 ice jam. Most flash flooding is caused by slow-moving thunderstorms, more than one thunderstorm moving
166 over the same area, or heavy rains from hurricanes and tropical storms.
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When you receive a Flood Warning:

If advised to evacuate, do so immediately before access is cut off by flood water. It

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is a good idea to make a plan on where to go with several options such as: a friends

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home, a motel in another town, or a shelter. You need to get to higher ground.

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Dont drive over a flooded road! Turn around and go another way! The depth of the

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water is not always obvious. The road bed may be washed out under the water. Nearly

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half of all flash flood deaths are auto related.

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If your vehicle stalls, leave it and seek higher ground.

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Dont allow children to play near high water, storm drains, or viaducts.

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Dont camp or park your vehicle along streams, especially during threatening

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conditions.

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Be very careful at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

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Dont go in a flooded basement! You may get electrocuted if the water has reached the

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electrical outlets.
Flooding can occur nationwide. Be prepared and stay informed about the weather by listening to a

357 television or radio.

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Source: NOAAs National Weather Service Quad Cities, IA/IL Weather Forecast Office, Flooding

Level 7.0

Understanding
1. What percentage of flash flood deaths are auto related? ____________________________________
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2. Why should people be especially cautious at night? _______________________________________
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3. What are the differences and similarities between floods and flash floods? _____________________
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4. What does the word evacuate mean?___________________________________________________
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5. If people are told to leave their homes due to flooding, where should/could they go? _____________
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6. What causes flash flooding?__________________________________________________________
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7. Why are floods considered the most deadly kind of weather? ______________________________
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Writing
Option A:

Summarize the reading in your own words.

Option B:

Write about a flash flood situation youve experienced.

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Flash Flooding Level 7.0