Common Types of Floods You May Encounter

Flooding arises when an unusually massive quantity of water normally covers dry land. The scientific study of water and its effects includes the assessment of floods. They happen more typically than any other serious weather condition and can influence a much wider geographical place. Considering that floodwaters can reach depths of multiple feet, they might show up variously. They might also form instantly or gently depending on the type of flood.

Types of Floods

Yearly, billions of money worth of damage are incurred caused by floods, making them the costliest natural calamity. Given that floods can take place almost anywhere, one should enlighten oneself about the various types of floods and the danger they can cause.

River Flood

A river flood, or a fluvial flood, is created when water from a river, lake, or stream expands to the point that it overflows its banks and onto the surrounding spot. As the water keeps flowing downstream, it can ruin smaller rivers, ruining regional dams and dikes and triggering substantial flooding. The likelihood of river flooding is determined using models that factor in historical and predicted rainfall, river levels, soil, and topography.

Storm Surge

The term “storm surge” pertains to the remarkable increase in sea level during a storm, as measured by the elevation of the water above the astronomically anticipated neap tide. A storm’s wind primarily drives water onto land, which leads to a surge. The magnitude of a storm surge is figured out by some factors, including the storm’s extent, size, speed, and the neighborhood bathymetry along the shore.

Flash Flood

This is known as flash flooding when excessive rains suddenly stop, leaving a short window of possibility for water to drain. It occurs most regularly in places near rivers or lakes and is triggered by high or extreme rainfall; however, it can also happen in areas with no surrounding water bodies. Extreme force is commonly connected with flash floods. Flaming torrents that move along river beds, city streets, or canyons are characteristic of this flood. You may need a damage remediation company to help you fix all the ruined property caused by the flash flood.

Coastal Flood

When a typically dry part along the coast is unexpectedly inundated by seawater, this is called coastal flooding. This happens because, of unknown factors, salt water will ultimately hit land. This might occur if:

  • Direct flooding – this takes place when there are no natural barricades to the water, such as dunes, and the land is lower than the water level.
  • Water spilling over a barrier – happens whenever the water’s height goes beyond the height of the boundary, as it does during storms and high tides. The overflowing water will create floods on the other side of the barricade.
  • Water breaching a barrier – this takes place when water (usually strong waves) gets rid of an obstruction. At a minimum, it will deteriorate the barrier, and at worst, it can demolish it.

Inland Flooding

Inland flooding can happen when the land water goes beyond the capacity of natural and manufactured drainage systems. Inland floods are generally often the effects of severe rainfall. Inland flooding is brought on by rain in two various ways. Both long-term periods of rainfall over numerous days and bursts of massive rain in a brief period can generate this. When waterways are obstructed by waste, ice, or dams, it can cause flooding on the inside. Inland flooding can also damage your home; make sure to contact a water remediation professional to help you restore all the damage. See here to learn more.