Above Normal Flood Alert: What You Need to Know and How to Prepare

 

Above Normal Flood Alert: What You Need to Know and How to Prepare

Floods are one of the most common and devastating natural disasters that can affect millions of people around the world. Learn what an above normal flood alert means, what causes it, and how to prepare for it.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is an Above Normal Flood Alert?
• What Causes an Above Normal Flood Alert?
• How to Prepare for an Above Normal Flood Alert?
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Introduction

Floods are one of the most common and devastating natural disasters that can affect millions of people around the world. According to the World Health Organization, floods account for 47% of all weather-related disasters, affecting 2.3 billion people and killing 157,000 between 1995 and 2015.

Floods can occur due to various factors, such as heavy rainfall, snowmelt, storm surges, dam failures, or river overflows. Depending on the severity and duration of the flooding, it can cause significant damage to property, infrastructure, environment, and human lives.

One of the ways to monitor and predict the risk of flooding is by using flood alerts. Flood alerts are issued by authorities or agencies that are responsible for managing water resources and providing early warning systems. Flood alerts indicate the level of potential flooding in a given area based on the current and forecasted weather conditions and river levels.

In this article, we will explain what an above normal flood alert means, what causes it, and how to prepare for it.

What is an Above Normal Flood Alert?

An above normal flood alert is a type of flood alert that indicates that the water level in a river or stream is higher than normal and may cause minor flooding in low-lying areas. An above normal flood alert does not mean that a flood is imminent or certain, but it means that there is a possibility of flooding if the situation worsens.

An above normal flood alert is usually issued when the water level in a river or stream reaches or exceeds a certain threshold that is determined by historical data, hydrological models, or expert judgment. The threshold may vary depending on the location, season, and type of river or stream.

An above normal flood alert is different from other types of flood alerts, such as a flood watch or a flood warning. A flood watch means that there is a potential for flooding in the near future based on the forecasted weather conditions and river levels. A flood warning means that flooding is expected or occurring in a specific area and that immediate action is required to protect life and property.

What Causes an Above Normal Flood Alert?

An above normal flood alert can be caused by various factors that increase the water level in a river or stream. Some of the common causes are:

• Heavy rainfall: Rainfall is one of the main drivers of flooding as it adds water to the river or stream system. Heavy rainfall can occur due to storms, hurricanes, monsoons, or other weather events that produce large amounts of precipitation in a short period of time. Heavy rainfall can also cause flash floods, which are sudden and rapid floods that occur within hours or minutes of intense rainfall.
• Snowmelt: Snowmelt is the process of snow and ice turning into water as they melt due to rising temperatures. Snowmelt can contribute to flooding as it adds water to the river or stream system. Snowmelt can occur due to seasonal changes, such as spring thaw, or due to abnormal warming events, such as heat waves or climate change.
• Storm surges: Storm surges are abnormal rises in sea level caused by strong winds and low atmospheric pressure associated with storms, hurricanes, typhoons, or cyclones. Storm surges can cause coastal flooding as they push seawater inland and overwhelm the natural barriers, such as dunes or levees. Storm surges can also affect the water level in rivers or streams that are connected to the sea.
• Dam failures: Dam failures are catastrophic events that occur when a dam collapses or breaches due to structural failure, overtopping, erosion, sabotage, or other causes. Dam failures can cause downstream flooding as they release large volumes of water in a short period of time. Dam failures can also affect the water level in upstream rivers or streams as they reduce the storage capacity of the reservoir.
• River overflows: River overflows are natural phenomena that occur when a river exceeds its channel capacity and spills over its banks. River overflows can cause flooding in adjacent areas that are normally dry. River overflows can occur due to high inflows from rainfall, snowmelt, storm surges, or dam failures, or due to low outflows due to blockages, diversions, or sedimentation.

How to Prepare for an Above Normal Flood Alert?

An above normal flood alert is a signal that you should be alert and ready for the possibility of flooding in your area. Here are some steps that you can take to prepare for an above normal flood alert:

• Stay informed: Monitor the weather conditions and river levels in your area and follow the updates and instructions from the authorities or agencies that issue flood alerts. You can use various sources of information, such as radio, television, internet, social media, or mobile apps, to stay informed. You can also sign up for flood alerts via email, text message, or phone call if available in your area.
• Plan ahead: Make a flood plan that includes how you will evacuate, where you will go, what you will take, and how you will communicate with your family and friends in case of a flood. Identify the safest routes and modes of transportation to reach higher ground or a designated shelter. Prepare an emergency kit that contains essential items, such as water, food, medicine, flashlight, radio, batteries, phone charger, cash, documents, and clothing. Keep your emergency kit in a waterproof bag and store it in an accessible location.
• Protect your property: Take measures to protect your property from potential flood damage. Move your valuables and important documents to higher floors or elevated places. Unplug your electrical appliances and turn off your gas and water supply. Seal any cracks or openings in your walls, floors, or doors. Install flood barriers or sandbags around your doors and windows. Clear any debris or blockages from your drains and gutters.
• Be ready to act: If the situation worsens and a flood watch or a flood warning is issued, be ready to act quickly and follow the instructions from the authorities or agencies. Evacuate immediately if advised to do so or if you feel unsafe. Do not drive or walk through flooded roads or bridges as they may be damaged or swept away. Do not enter or touch floodwater as it may be contaminated or electrified. Stay away from power lines, trees, or structures that may fall or collapse.

Conclusion

An above normal flood alert is a type of flood alert that indicates that the water level in a river or stream is higher than normal and may cause minor flooding in low-lying areas. An above normal flood alert does not mean that a flood is imminent or certain, but it means that there is a possibility of flooding if the situation worsens.

An above normal flood alert can be caused by various factors that increase the water level in a river or stream, such as heavy rainfall, snowmelt, storm surges, dam failures, or river overflows.

To prepare for an above normal flood alert, you should stay informed, plan ahead, protect your property, and be ready to act.

FAQ

• Q: What is the difference between an above normal flood alert and a high water advisory?
• A: An above normal flood alert and a high water advisory are similar terms that indicate that the water level in a river or stream is higher than normal and may cause minor flooding in low-lying areas. However, different authorities or agencies may use different terms depending on their definitions and criteria.
• Q: How long does an above normal flood alert last?
• A: An above normal flood alert lasts until the water level in the river or stream drops below the threshold or until it is canceled or upgraded by the authorities or agencies.
• Q: What are some examples of areas that are prone to above normal flood alerts?
• A: Some examples of areas that are prone to above normal flood alerts are those that are located near rivers or streams that have high variability in water levels due to rainfall, snowmelt, storm surges, dam failures, or river overflows. Some examples are coastal areas, low-lying areas, urban areas with poor drainage systems, agricultural areas with irrigation systems, and recreational areas with boating facilities. 😊