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2023 NH Flood Safety Awareness Week - Day 3

Posted on: March 15, 2023 - 2:41pm

Welcome back to Flood Safety Awareness Week! Today’s “Know the Flow: Types of Flooding that may Affect Your Community” is flash flooding. From a light drizzle to heavy storms, if the soil can’t absorb rainwater fast enough or if storm drains can’t handle it, rain can lead to devastating flash floods. A flash flood is a flood that happens within six hours or less of the start of heavy rainfall or another event such as dam or levee failure, or the rapid release from an ice jam.  Flash floods are largely unpredictable, and their damage is not always confined to areas along rivers and streams.

Important flood terms to know:Floods can Happen in a Flash

  • Flood Watch: Conditions are right for flooding to occur in your area.
  • Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground.
  • Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
  • Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

Learn how you can prepare for flooding with the following resources:

  • Readynh.gov - New Hampshire’s official source for information during state emergencies.
  • NH Flood Hazard Viewer – Find out if you live in a flood-prone area.  
  • Floodsmart.gov – Information on National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Flood Insurance. 

The New Hampshire Floodplain Management Team
Learn more about New Hampshire Flood Safety Awareness Week.