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In terms of area, property damage and deaths, eight of the most significant floods in the 20th century were snowmelt-related. Several factors contribute to snowmelt flooding: High soil moisture content: Soil that is saturated with water in late fall may not have time to drain and dry out before it freezes, resulting in deep ground [...]

Heavy rain falling on frozen ground means that water will run over the ground quickly rather than soaking in, increasing the potential for flash flooding.  Melting snow can add even more water to the mix.  In smaller rivers and streams, ice jam flooding may occur when ice breaks up and floats downstream, where it piles [...]

The Centers for Disease Control estimate that more than half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into flood waters; the next highest percentage of deaths is from walking into or near flood waters.  Many people falsely believe that cars, trucks and SUVs are heavy enough to maintain contact with the road [...]

Mold spores are naturally present in the air at harmless concentrations, but with added moisture can grow to levels that spur allergies and asthma in susceptible individuals.  After heavy rains or when leaks or flooding dampen homes, dormant mold spores can grow expolsively and release enough new spores to sicken people. Viewer Tip: It is [...]

Most people associate flooding with events like Hurricane Katrina, but natural and cyclical flooding of streams and rivers caused by rain or snow melt, though sometimes damaging to human property, can be beneficial for water quality and aquatic life. When water levels in streams or rivers rise, the fish and wildlife move from the stream [...]

In 2007, floods occurred in every U.S. state, causing claims of nearly 600 million dollars. Flash floods – usually caused by sudden, heavy rainfall – can occur in just a few hours or less; rushing water from flash floods can move rocks and debris, and damage homes and buildings.  Viewer Tip:  People who live in [...]

If your home or business was damaged by winds or flood waters from Hurricane Ike, you are probably beginning to make repairs.  Viewer Tip: As you clean up and rebuild, remember that there are ways to retrofit your property so that it will better withstand hurricane conditions, should they occur again. Roof: Bracing gabled roofs [...]

September is National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to encourage all Americans to take easy steps to prepare for natural disasters and emergencies at home, work, and school.  A study conducted by the Ad Council and DHS in 2006 found that 91 percent of respondents said it was “very” [...]

Winds and heavy rain from Hurricane Ike took a toll on Houston and surrounding communities.  As flood waters recede, many home and business owners will be facing cleanup activities. Viewer Tip: When the water goes down, keep these tips in mind to assess damage and begin clean-up activities safely: Pay close attention to your local [...]

A major threat hurricanes and tropical storms bring to land is inland flooding, which results from intense rainfall from the storms. The intensity of rainfall does not directly relate to the wind speed of the storm, however – some intense flooding events occur during weaker storms that slowly drift or stall over one area.  A [...]

After some natural disasters, such as floods and hurricanes, standing water and excess moisture can cause mold to grow in homes and buildings.  If you are returning to a home or building that has been flooded, it is important to remember that mold may be present.  Some individuals - including those with asthma, allergies, breathing difficulties, or compromised [...]

Recent flooding in the Midwest has been described as a ”500-year flood,” but just what does that mean?  According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the occurrence of a 500-year flood doesn’t depend on what happened last year, fifteen years ago (the Great Flood of 1993), or even 100 years ago.  Instead, the term “500-year flood” is based [...]

Has your home been affected by flood waters?  Flood waters can damage sewage lines and water pipes, making plumbing and taps unsafe for use.  Additionally, flood waters may contain chemicals, wastes, bacteria, and other pollutants that can make you sick. Viewer Tip: Throw away any foods that have come in contact with flood waters – [...]

Heavy rainfall across the midwest over the past two weeks has resulted in historic flooding.  As flood waters recede over the next week, many home and business owners will be facing cleanup activities. Viewer Tip: When the water goes down, keep these tips in mind to assess damage and begin clean-up activities safely: Use Common [...]

April 27th through May 3rd is Severe Weather Awareness Week in New York, designed to alert New York residents to the types of severe weather the state experiences – flooding, tornadoes, thunderstorms - and how to be prepared.  There will be statewide hazardous weather communication drills taking place on April 29th and May 1st.  This is the perfect time [...]

March 23-29, 2008 is Ohio’s Severe Weather Awareness Week, focused on getting Ohio residents prepared for tornadoes, thunderstorms, floods, and other severe weather events that occur during the spring and summer seasons. Viewer Tip: Ohio’s peak tornado season is generally April through July, and the state has designated today, Wednesday, March 26th for the “Statewide Tornado [...]

Melting ice and snow over the next week means that local rivers and streams – including theIowa, Rock, and SkunkRivers- are at risk for ice jams andflooding.When soils are already saturated with water, theyare not be able to absorb as much new moisture from melting snow and ice, meaning that a large amount of water [...]

Warmer temperatures in Wisconsinthatwill cause ice and snow to melt over the next week mean that local rivers and streams are at risk for flooding.When soils are already saturated with water, theyare not be able to absorb as much new moisture from melting snow and ice, meaning that a large amount of water is likely [...]

Melting ice and snow over the next week means that local rivers and streams – including theKankakee River- are at risk for flooding.When soils are already saturated with water, theyare not be able to absorb as much new moisture from melting snow and ice, meaning that a large amount of water is likely to run [...]

Melting ice and snow over the next week means that local rivers and streams – including theWhite and Wabash Rivers- are at risk for flooding.When soils are already saturated with water, theyare not be able to absorb as much new moisture from melting snow and ice, meaning that a large amount of water is likely [...]