The dangers of Flash Flooding

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

Beautiful overhead view of the dams in Rockford, Michigan.

Since we are experiencing lots of rain these days, we wanted to provide you with some helpful information on flash floods--especially because many of our customers live close to lakes and rivers. Cities like Grand Rapids, Lake Odessa, Lowell, and Rockford are known for their flowing rivers and all sports lakes!--Not to mention charming boutique shopping areas! However, as fun as living near the water might be, it can put home/business owners at a high risk for water damage due to flash flooding. 

According to weather.gov, flash flooding is the number 1 cause of weather related deaths in the United States, so it’s important to be aware of how they work, and what to do if you experience one. 

There are two key factors that make up flash floods: 1.) Intensity of the rainfall, and 2.) The duration of the rainfall. Soil conditions, as well as ground cover also play a role in flash floods. 

Flash floods can be unpredictable. Sometimes they happen within a few minutes of a storm, while other times they start after many hours of intense rainfall. However, most flash floods are caused by slow moving thunderstorms, or heavy rainfall from tropical storms and hurricanes. 

Another important factor to note is that flash floods can be extremely strong. They can rip out trees, move large boulders, and destroy buildings, homes, and bridges. They can also cause dangerous mudslides, as well as reach heights of  30 feet or more! Please remember that even if flood waters appear shallow, they can still be dangerous. 6 inches of water might not seem hazardous, but if it's moving fast enough, it can knock you off your feet! Even as little as 2 feet of water can float a car! For your safety, and for the safety of those around you, never try to walk, swim, or drive through fast moving flood waters. Turn around, go a different way, and get to higher ground until it’s safe. If your home or business ever experiences water damage from flash flooding, don’t hesitate to reach out! We value your property and personal belongings, and want to give you peace of mind by restoring the damage. We are here when you need us most!