What Is a Flood?

Devastating floods occur throughout the U.S. every year. Ninety percent of all presidentially declared natural disasters involve flooding.  

Flooding is usually divided into two categories: flash flooding and river flooding. Both can cause death, injury and property destruction.  

Flash floods are usually caused by slow-moving thunderstorms or thunderstorms that move over the same area one after the other. Flash floods usually occur within six hours of heavy rainfall and are usually more life threatening (according to the National Weather Service).  

The majority of deaths from flooding occur when people become trapped in automobiles that stall while driving through flooded areas. Nearly half of all flood fatalities are vehicle-related.