
Many different factors can contribute to flooding.
#Areal flood warnning how to
Make sure you know how to get to higher ground and that you have a bag full of essentials like food, water, and a flashlight. If an areal flood warning is issued, you should have a plan in place.

When this type of warning is issued, you should take immediate action to protect yourself and your property. A “flood warning” means that flooding is already occurring or will occur shortly.Īreal flood warnings are issued when flooding is occurring over a large area or when significant flooding is expected to occur. You should be familiar with the terms used to describe different flood threats if you are in a flood zone.Ī “flood watch” implies that situations are satisfactory for flooding to happen. You must act immediately to protect yourself and your property. So, what does it mean ‘areal flood warning’? I’m sure this is the reason you’re on this page.Īreal flood warning indicates that flooding in your area is coming. Flood warnings are issued in affected areas so that residents can take preventative measures to protect themselves and their property. Regional flood warnings are issued by the National Weather Service and are usually issued for an extended period of time in order to keep you and your family safe before the flood occurs.Īn area flood warning is issued when a body of water is expected to flood a particular area. Areal = rain for more than 6 hours and often impacting a larger area.Do you live near a water area? If so, what does areal flood warning mean? If you are unaware, this article is for you, continue reading. Flash = happening quickly and in a very specific area. Therefore, the biggest difference between a Flash Flood and Areal Flood is the time and coverage. However, even though this type of flooding develops more slowly than flash flooding, it can still be a threat to life and property. The flooding normally occurs more than six hours after the rainfall begins, and may cover a large area. Don’t Drown.” It is important to avoid roadways covered with water as it only takes about 12″ of standing to completely sweep a car/SUV off the road.Īnother common flood product, that might cause more confusion is the Areal Flood Warning.Īccording to the National Weather Service, an Areal Flood Warning is issued for flooding that develops more gradually, usually from prolonged and persistent moderate to heavy rainfall. This results in a gradual ponding or buildup of water in low-lying, flood prone areas, as well as small creeks and streams. What you need to do: If a flash flood warning is issued and you are driving, avoid low lying areas, or places that have ponding on the roadways. Dangerous flooding in areas near creeks and streams, as well as low-lying flood prone areas, develops very quickly and is a significant threat to life and/or property, according to the National Weather Service. Flash floods are the number one weather-related causes of death, with over half of these deaths happening as a result of a vehicle-related drowning. These happen quickly and can lead to death. An advisory indicates conditions pose a significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.įlash Flood Warning – These warnings are issued when a heavy rain occurs, generally within a short amount of time. Warnings require immediate action, as any type of weather warning means that the weather danger is imminent. Here is a quick explanation of two common flood products we have here in Alabama and what they mean.įirst, we’ll start with warning vs advisory. ( WIAT) - There are several flood products and it may be hard to know what to do when a flood alert goes off for your community, or even know what each product means.

From our CBS 42 Storm Team Tower cam in Bluff Park, at Tip Top Grill.īIRMINGHAM, Ala.
