Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness Flood Information and Safety Tips

Flood Terms

Flood – A condition that occurs when water overflows the natural or artificial confines of a stream or body of water, or accumulates by drainage over low-lying areas.

General River Flooding follows heavy rain, snow melt or their combination. While river flooding typically occurs slowly, allowing more time to take protective measures, extreme flash flooding or a breakup of an ice jam along a river can produce more rapid river rises.

Urban and Small Stream Floods occur when heavy rain falls, resulting in flooded streets, underpasses or drainage ditches in urban areas, and creeks in rural areas. Not usually life-threatening on its own, but can be, if motorists drive through a flooded roadway or children play near a storm drain or drainage ditch.

Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. Listen to EAS messages for weather updates and possible evacuation orders.

Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a flooding to occur. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it's possible.

Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

Winter Flooding

Winter storms can generate coastal flooding, ice jams and snow melt, which can result in significant flood damage and loss of life.

Coastal Floods – Winds generated from intense winter storms can cause widespread tidal flooding and severe beach erosion along coastal areas.

Ice Jams – Long cold spells can cause rivers and lakes to freeze. A rise in the water level or a thaw breaks the ice into large chunks that become jammed at man-made and natural obstructions. Ice jams can act as a dam, resulting in severe flooding.

Snow Melt – Sudden thaw of a heavy snow pack often leads to flooding.