Flash Flooding in Wrentham Massachusetts

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

With spring approaching us fast, so are the rains that come with it. Yes we may like the warmer (ish) weather that comes in the spring, some of us might not be in favor of all that rain, and sometimes flooding. 

What is flooding?

Flooding is an excess amount of water onto land that’s normally dry, according to the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL). Floods occur when waves come onto the shore, snow melts too fast, or when dams break. Flooding can happen with as little as a few inches of water, but can be as extreme as covering an entire house.

Flash floods are the most dangerous kind of floods because they combine the dangers of a regular flood with high speeds and destruction.

Flash floods occur when an abundance of water fills normally dry areas such as river beds, as well as normal flowing creeks, causing the water to rapidly rise in a short amount of time. Flash floods usually happen with little to no warning.

Floods can happen anywhere in the country and they are a threat anywhere it rains. 

Areas at high risk for flash floods

Densely populated areas: This is because of all of the buildings, highways, parking lots, decrease the amount of rain absorbed into the ground, which causes runoff. The runoff can increase the potential of flash flooding.

During heavy, heavy rain, storm drains can become overflowed and flood roads and buildings. During this time it is very dangerous to be in a basement or underground parking garage.

Areas near bodies of water: areas along rivers and creaks are more at risk because, as stated above, excess water can fill them up and cause the waters to rise within minutes and cause flooding.

Melting snow can cause flash floods as well. When snow melts it can cause runoff, and when you add in spring rains AND snow melting, the risk for flash flooding increases. Melting snow and rain waters can enter streams, lift the ice, and create dams. This will cause the water to find other ways to flow, and it will be fast!

What is the difference between flash flood warning and flash flood watch?

If you hear or see on the news that there is a flash flood warning, flash flooding is occurring or is very likely. Flash flooding can happen in areas where rain is not coming down.

Flood warning: a flood warning is issued when flooding is already occurring or is about to happen.

Flood watch: issued when conditions are suitable for flooding. A flood watch does not mean that flooding will absolutely happen, but is possible.

Flood advisory: issued when flooding is not expected to be terrible enough to issue a warning, but the weather might cause slight inconveniences.

Even if you aren’t in an area where heavy rains are occurring, you might still be at risk for flash flooding. Always pay attention to the news, or the alerts sent to your phone and take them seriously!! Floods can cause serious injury, and even be fatal.

If you suffer from damage to your home or commercial business due to storm related events, call us at (508) 223-0505, we’ll make it

“Like it never even happened.”

For more information about flooding, the dangers, and how to be prepared, visit https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-watch-warning and https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/floods/