Flood warnings are notifications issued by weather authorities to alert the public about potential or ongoing flooding. One specific type of notification is an areal flood warning, which signals a particular kind of flooding event over a broad geographical span.
Understanding Areal Flood Warnings
An areal flood warning is issued when flooding is expected to occur across a wide geographical region, typically due to prolonged and consistent moderate to heavy rainfall. This sustained precipitation often leads to the ground becoming saturated, causing water to accumulate in low-lying areas, small creeks, and streams. The National Weather Service (NWS) issues these warnings for flooding that develops gradually, often taking more than six hours after the rain begins to manifest.
This type of flooding involves a general ponding or buildup of water across an area, rather than being confined to a specific river or occurring as a sudden, localized event. While an areal flood warning signifies a slower onset compared to other flood types, it still presents a threat to both life and property.
Distinguishing Areal Flood Warnings from Other Types
The National Weather Service issues several types of flood warnings, each with distinct characteristics.
A Flash Flood Warning, for instance, indicates a rapid and intense flooding event, usually occurring within six hours of heavy rainfall. This type of flood can develop with little notice, often causing small creeks and streams to rise quickly and posing an immediate threat to life and property.
In contrast, a River Flood Warning pertains to flooding on specific rivers and streams, typically issued when a river is forecast to exceed its designated flood stage based on gauge readings and forecasted crests. River flooding often results from continued rainfall feeding into a waterway and can persist for days or even weeks after the rain has stopped. An areal flood warning, however, signifies broader flooding across a region, distinct from the immediate threat of flash floods or the more gradual, contained rise of river floods.
What to Do During an Areal Flood Warning
When an areal flood warning is in effect, it is important to monitor local weather alerts and official sources for updates and instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately, taking only essential items and turning off utilities like gas and electricity if time permits.
A crucial safety guideline is to never drive or walk through flooded areas; even shallow, fast-moving water can be powerful enough to knock a person off their feet, and two feet of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. This is encapsulated by the phrase “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”.
If you are not ordered to evacuate, move to higher ground if water begins to rise around your location. Additionally, avoid contact with floodwaters, which may contain contaminants or conceal hidden hazards and debris. Having an emergency preparedness kit readily available, stocked with non-perishable food, water, and medications, is also a recommended measure.