If you’ve ever read a weather report that said, “a flash flood watch is in effect” or “this area is in Zone AE” and thought what does that even mean? You are not alone. Weather reports can sound like another language, especially when it comes to water-related threats like hurricanes, floods, and thunderstorms. At Quick Dam, we believe knowledge is power and preparedness. Here’s a guide to decoding key weather and flood-related terminology, so you can act fast when water strikes.
Flood Terminology: What You Need to Know
Flood Watch:
Conditions are favorable for flooding. It might happen so stay alert, check updates, and have your flood bags or barriers ready.
Flood Warning:
Flooding is happening or imminent. Act at once to protect people and property. Time to deploy your Quick Dams.
Flash Flood:
A sudden, intense flood typically caused by heavy rain in a brief period. Flash floods are dangerous and happen fast, often with little warning.
Flash Flood Watch:
Conditions could cause flash flooding. Be prepared to act quickly if conditions worsen.
Flash Flood Warning:
Flash flooding is occurring or expected soon. This is your signal to take immediate action.
Urban and Small Stream Flooding:
This occurs when drainage systems are overwhelmed. Streets and low-lying areas flood quickly, even without major rainfall totals. It is common in city and commercial areas.
River Flooding:
Rivers can overflow by prolonged rain or upstream snowmelt. Often affects homes or businesses near creeks and rivers.
Flood Zone Jargon: What Your FEMA Map is Telling You
Flood Zones are mapped by FEMA and used to assess flood risk, insurance rates, and building regulations:
Zone A:
High-risk flood area. No detailed elevation data available, but flooding is likely.
Zone AE:
High-risk area with base flood elevations (BFEs) determined. Used to set flood insurance rates and building codes.
Zone VE:
Coastal areas with elevated risk and more storm surge hazards. These zones face the worst-case scenarios during hurricanes.
Zone X Shaded:
Moderate flood risk. Still possible, but less likely.
Zone X Unshaded:
Low flood risk. But remember, minimal risk doesn’t mean no risk.
Use FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center to look up your flood zone by address.
Hurricane & Tropical Storm Warnings: What Do They Mean?
Tropical Storm Watch:
Conditions possible (winds 39-73 mph) within 48 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning:
Conditions are expected within 36 hours.
Hurricane Watch:
A major storm may affect areas (winds 74+ mph) within 48 hours. Start major preparations.
Hurricane Warning:
Storm will likely strike within 36 hours. Evacuations and immediate action may be necessary.
Storm Surge Watch/Warning:
Life-threatening coastal flooding is possible (watch) or expected (warning). Elevate items, seal entry points, and deploy flood barriers.
Rain, Storms, & Water Runoff: The Hidden Flood Threat
Severe Thunderstorm Warning:
A dangerous storm is happening and often includes hail, high winds (58+ mph), heavy rain (which can lead to flash flooding), and even the risk of tornadoes.
Rainfall Rate:
Anything over 1” per hour is considered heavy rain and can lead to flooding potential.
Training Storms:
Repeated storms over the same area, compounding rainfall and increasing flood risk. Perfect conditions for flash floods.
Runoff Flooding:
Water that can’t absorb into the ground rushes toward low points like basements, streets, and storm drains.
El Nino, La Nina & ENSO: What Do They Mean for Your Flood Risk
These global weather patterns are part of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle and greatly influence hurricanes, rainfall, and flooding North America.
El Nino:
-
- Warmer Pacific waters
- Fewer Atlantic hurricanes, but often wetter and stormy winters, especially in the South and East.
- Expect increased flood risks from long-duration rain events.
La Nina:
-
- Cooler Pacific waters
-
More hurricanes in the Atlantic, with stronger intensity.
-
Drier winters in some areas, but more severe tropical activity in hurricane season.
Neutral Conditions:
-
- Neither El Nino nor La Nina
-
Variable conditions, but typically more normal seasonal patterns.
-
Flood risk depends more on local weather patterns.
Why Does this Matter?
If it’s an El Nino year, start thinking about excess rain and drainage. If it’s La Nina, prepare for a more active hurricane season and coastal flooding.
Track ENSO updates from the NOAA: Climate Prediction Center ENSO Page
Final Checklist: Be Flood-Ready
-
Know your flood zone.
- Turn on weather alerts.
- Understand the difference between a watch and a warning.
- Monitor ENSO updates.
- Keep Quick Dam on hand.
- Create a response plan for your home or business.
You don’t need to be a meteorologist to read a weather report, you just need to understand the basics. Now that you know what all those terms mean, you can act sooner, protect your home smarter, and ride out the storm with confidence.
To learn more about how Quick Dam can help you with flood control, explore our range of products in our Shop All Collection.
Be Prepared. Be Protected with Quick Dam.
