In the summer, more people are out in nature enjoying the view. But there is the chance that you could be exposed to a flash flood at any time of the year. In this case, summer rains can bring on the rapid rise of streams and creek beds, which means that there is an increased risk of flash floods in some areas and territories. Many people have heard of the term flash flood, but don’t exactly know what it is, what it really refers to, or how it happens in nature. Flash floods are in fact deadly and can be life-threatening if you are caught in or near one. It’s worth the time to learn more about flash flood events and how to avoid the risks associated with this dangerous water damage natural event.

Let’s work on making a definition of what is a flash flood? Well, flash floods are floods that occur typically around 6 hours after an event related to an accumulated water gathering on the terrain, that causes a creek or stream to rise quickly above its general flood levels. These events are called “causative events,” and they can include:

•    Heavy rainfall
•    Broken dam
•    Failure of a levee
•    Rapid snow melting
•    Melting of ice jams

When do flash floods start? Well, it is known that a flash flood can also occur inside of 2 hours of a super heavy rainfall as well. When the flash flooding begins, there will be a high stream water rise that reaches over the banks of the stream or creek. Imagine a babbling brook that gets over filled with too much water, and it forces the water downstream at a high rate of speed. This fast-moving water is out of the ordinary for the creek or stream, and may cause soil on the banks to erode, triggering mud slides, or damages to homes, roads and property.

What are the characteristics of a flash flood? High velocity water flows are typical of the force of water usually seen in a flash flood. Once the creek in one area is inundated with water, it will force the water quickly downstream to relieve the water pressure building up in that area. At the area of the initial flooding, it may be easy to determine that the stream or creek can’t handle the extra water, and you’ll see water rush out of the area to attempt to go back to the status quo of water levels. The problem and hence the danger are that downstream, in still dry areas miles away from the overflow water region, that area is going to get a sudden and completely unexpected rush of water. This is the “flash” aspect of the flash flood.

At the source of the high-water event is expected and shown that the creek or stream level of water is rising rapidly – meaning that you should stay away. But miles away from the causative event – watch out! You may never know that a flash flood is coming until it is upon you. This can increase the risk that you’ll be caught in a flash flood, which is often times risky and deadly.

If you are near a stream during a camping outing, leisure event or when visiting an area by hiking, make it a point to be aware of your proximity to the stream at all times. When hiking, chose to hike along dry streams or creeks, not directly inside of gullies, “narrows” or narrow areas of ledges, valleys or gorges. Flash floods can be preceded by a thunderous noise, which you would hear even on a bright sunny day. Remember, a creek 6-inches deep can grow quickly to a 10-foot deep river in under an hour, if a causative event forces water in one area of the creek or stream upstream unexpectedly.

When in the area of a flash flood, always move quickly to higher ground for safety. Never linger in an underpass, underground parking garage, basement or low level outside area when waters start to rise. You could become completely trapped in these enclosed areas with no safe exit from the flood.

If you are near a flash flood in your vehicle, do not go through high water. Only two feet of water if flooding is noted on a bridge can float away a car or truck of any size, and once the vehicle loses traction with the ground, it is susceptible to flipping on its side and being completely swept and carried away by the rushing flood waters.

These are the facts related to flash flooding. Be careful when near water ways to avoid interacting with flash floods at all costs whenever possible.

If you experience flooding, high water or water damage at your home or office in North Georgia as a result of rising floodwaters, just give us a call. We will come to you 24/7 and remediate your water damage, sewage cleanup, flood damage, flooded basements, or water damage remediation in North Georgia without delay. Call now!