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Significance
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, floods are the most common disasters in the United States. Affected areas can range in size from a local community to an entire region.
Occurence
Floods can occur anywhere but are especially likely in low-lying areas near bodies of water or downstream from a dam. Floods can develop slowly over a number of days or occur suddenly without warning, carrying away anything in their paths.
Causes
Floods are caused by factors such as heavy rain, ice-covered rivers, high river levels, full reservoirs, saturated soil, deep snow cover and frozen ground. Heavy rains are probably the most influential factor. They can saturate the ground until it can't hold any more water, raise river levels and fill reservoirs.
Important Terms
A flood watch means that flooding is possible. A flash flood watch means that a sudden deluge is possible. A flood warning goes into effect when flooding is actually happening or about to happen. A flash flood warning means flash flooding is actually happening and residents are advised to seek higher ground.