Hobbies And Interests
Satellites
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration operates geostationary operational environmental satellites that provide warnings about flash floods. These satellites circle the Earth's equatorial plane at a speed that matches the planet's rotation. They are 22,300 miles above the Earth, giving them a full view of the planet. This allows them to monitor the atmosphere for any flash flood triggers, and track the storm development and its movements. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration launched the first GOES satellite for NOAA in 1975.
RADAR
National Weather Service forecasters use a network of Next Generation Radars to monitor for and predict flash floods. The Sulphur Mountain NEXRAD is one such radar that provides coverage of the lower atmosphere. It assists the Los Angeles-Oxnard National Weather Service Forecast Office in forecasting flash floods and providing warnings about them. This radar is well-located to detect storms and avoid false signals.
Flash Flood Development
Flash floods often follow a wildfire, with areas impacted by wildfires becoming particularly vulnerable to flash floods during rainstorms. A brief period of rainfall on a burnt area could result in flash floods as the vegetation that would normally absorb the water is not available any more. As well, the soils in the burn scar are easily eroded, which means the flood waters could contain quantities of mud, rocks and vegetation. The flood water, together with this additional debris, can create a powerful impact that destroys structures, bridges and roadways. This force could cause injury or loss of life, which is why the government provides monitoring and warnings.