Flooding occurs when there is a temporary overflowing of water in areas that are typically dry. According to the Red Cross, floods are one of the most frequent and costly natural disasters in our country. Floods can occur in any U.S. state or territory and can leave behind destruction, and even death. [bctt tweet=”Business owners should be aware that flooding can destroy both property and irreplaceable data.” username=”HSIServicesInc”]
Various Type of Floods
You might not know this, but there are a number of different types of floods. It is important to learn the risks of each type of flood in order to properly prepare. Here are the five different kinds of floods that can affect you.
River Floods
If you live near a river, there is a chance that it will exceed its capacity. River, also known as fluvial flooding, is caused by an overabundance of rain, heavy snow, or ice jams. Flash floods can also cause river floods, which are highly destructive and dangerous due to the force of the water’s flow. Overbank flooding can occur in all streams and rivers and the overflow can affect smaller rivers downstream.
Coastal Floods
Coastal floods happen in coastal areas and are caused by higher than average tides, and worsened by heavy rains and winds. In coastal areas with lower elevation, coastal flooding has been known to occur multiple times a year.
Flash Floods
Flash floods occur when there has been excessive rainfall in a short period of time. They are typically characterized by torrents of heavy rain and can happen in a flash. They can happen in minutes or over a few hours of heavy rainfall. Flash floods usually occur in six hours or less.
Storm Surge
Storm surges are another type of coastal flooding that is caused by strong storms such as tropical storms or hurricanes. Storm surges are characterized by strong winds, heavy downpours, and low atmospheric pressure that can cause tides to swell by 30 feet or more, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association.
Inland Flooding
While coastal flooding happens along the coast, inland flooding happens, yes, you guessed it–inland. Inland flood risks can occur over several days of heavy rain, which causes the soil to become oversaturated and it can’t hold any more water. Rivers can also flood through inland flooding, putting life and property at risk.
Preparing for Different Types of Floods
Climate change models show that severe weather will continue, putting millions at risk of experiencing a flood. Understanding the different types of floods and learning which ones can affect you is the first step in preparing. Make sure to discuss with your family what to do in a flooding event, and also consider flood insurance. Another great way to protect your business is to invest in a WIPP®, or Water Inflated Property Protector. A WIPP creates the ultimate flood barrier and prevents evasive water from damaging your property.
To learn more about the different types of floods and how to prepare for them, Contact Us.
