Flood Headlines issued by the National Weather Service
As temperatures rise, so does the potential for heavy rains. Here are a list of the headlines used by the National Weather Service and their meaning.
- FLASH FLOOD WARNING : Water levels are forecast to rise rapidly, causing inundation within a few hours. Rapid rises in small streams, urban areas, and downstream of dam or levee failures pose a serious threat to life and property.
- FLOOD WARNING: Rising water over a period of time will impact life and property across widespread areas. This warning may be issues hours to days in advance of the event.
- FLOOD ADVISORY: Issued when rising or ponding of water could cause a significant inconvenience but does not pose a significant threat to life or property.
- FLASH FLOOD WATCH: Conditions are favorable for flash flooding, but occurrence is neither certain or imminent.
- FLOOD WATCH: Rising water over a period of time may result in flooding. In situations where a river crest is moving down stream, the watch may be issued days in advance.
Sources: Frank Wachowski, National Weather Services Archives