1. What is a flood and when do most occur?
A flood is the inundation of a normally dry area caused by an increased water level in an established
watercourse, such as a river, stream, or drainage ditch, or ponding of water at or near the point where
the rain fell. Floods can occur anytime during the year. However, many occur seasonally after winter
snow melts or heavy spring rains.

2. What are flash floods?
Flash floods occur suddenly, usually within 6 hours of the rain event, and result from heavy localized
rainfall or levee failures. Flash floods can begin before the rain stops. Water level on small streams
may rise quickly in heavy rainstorms, especially near the headwaters of river basins. Heavy rains can
also cause flash flooding in areas where the floodplain has been urbanized.

3. What are other causes of flooding in Michigan?
Ice jams and dam failures can also cause both flooding and flash flooding.

4. Are people killed as a result of floods?
Many people are killed by flash floods when driving or walking on roads and bridges that are covered
by water. In fact, flash floods are the number one weather-related killer in the United States. Even six
inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet, and a depth of only two feet of water
will float many of today's automobiles. If you are in a car and water starts rising, get out and move to
higher ground.

5. What is a flood watch?
A flood watch indicates that flash flooding or flooding is possible within the designated WATCH area
-- be alert. It is issued to inform the public and cooperating agencies that current and developing
weather conditions are such that there is a threat of flooding, but the occurrence is neither certain nor
imminent.

6. What is a flash flood or flood warning?
A flash flood or flood warning indicates that flash flooding or flooding is already occurring or
imminent within the designated WARNING area -- take necessary precautions at once. When a flash
flood or flood warning is issued for your area, act quickly. Get out of areas subject to flooding and
avoid areas where flooding has already occurred.

7. What is a flash flood or flood statement?
A flash flood or flood statement is used for follow-up information regarding a flash flood or flood
event.