Severe Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain in the Mid-South, Tennessee and Ohio Valleys

Severe thunderstorms are likely across portions of the Mid-South, Tennessee Valley, and lower Ohio River Valley today, including damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes, a few of which could be strong. Heavy to excessive rainfall, which may lead to flooding, is expected over the Tennessee and lower Ohio Valleys today. Read More >

WHAT IS FLASH FLOODING?

Flooding that begins within 6 hours, and often within 3 hours, of the heavy rainfall (or other cause).

Flash Floods can be caused by a number of things, but is most often due to extremely heavy rainfall from thunderstorms. Flash Floods can occur due to Dam or Levee Breaks, and/or Mudslides (Debris Flow).

The intensity of the rainfall, the location and distribution of the rainfall, the land use and topography, vegetation types and growth/density, soil type, and soil water-content all determine just how quickly the Flash Flooding may occur, and influence where it may occur.

Urban Areas are also prone to flooding in short time-spans and, sometimes, rainfall (from the same storm) over an urban area will cause flooding faster and more-severe than in the suburbs or countryside. The impervious surfaces in the urban areas do not allow water to infiltrate the ground, and the water runs off to the low spots very quickly.

Flash Flooding occurs so quickly that people are caught off-guard. Their situation may become dangerous if they encounter high, fast-moving water while traveling. If people are at their homes or businesses, the water may rise quickly and trap them, or cause damage to the property without them having a chance to protect the property.

Browse to the National Water Prediction Service (AHPS) to research possible flooding areas, warnings, and gauge readings for local conditions.