Home
Weather CenterWeatherEDWeather GamesClimate CodeCool ClipsWeatherREADY
Weather Encyclopedia
ENSO
Flooding
Flood Warning Terms
Forecasting Floods
Gathering Flood Data
Historical Floods
Research About Floods
Why Floods Occur
Global Warming
Heat Wave
Hurricanes and Tropical Systems
Severe Thunderstorms
Tornadoes
Winter Storms
Glossary
Online Resource Guide
Teacher Resources


Weather Encyclopedia

Flood Warning Terms

Flood Watch

high flow or overflow of water from a river is possible in the given time period. It can also apply to heavy runoff or drainage of water into low-lying areas. These watches are generally issued for flooding that is expected to occur at least 6 hours after heavy rains have ended.

Flood Warning

flooding is actually occurring or is imminent in the warning area.

Flash Flood Watch

flash flooding is possible in or close to the watch area. Flash Flood Watches are generally issued for flooding that is expected to occur within 6 hours after heavy rains have ended.

Flash Flood Warning

flash flooding is actually occurring or is imminent in the warning area. It can be issued as a result of torrential rains, a dam failure, or ice jam.


If you live near the ocean, you should also be aware of the following alerts:

Coastal Flood Watch

the possibility exists for the inundation of land areas along the coast within the next 12 to 36 hours.

Coastal Flood Warning

land areas along the coast are expected to become, or have become, inundated by sea water above the typical tide action.

Weather Center  |  WeatherED  |  Weather Games  |  Climate Code  |  Cool Clips  |  WeatherREADY  |  Privacy Policy  |  Parent Guide  |  Teacher Guide  |  Site Map  |  Contact Us
Parents GuideTeachers Guide