What weather conditions are necessary for flooding to occur?

Question

Also list some good safety procedures to take into consideration should a flood occur. THANK YOU!

Answer 1

The only weather condition necessary is lots of precipitation. Other factors contribute more, such as porosity of the ground, vegetation cover, level of the underground water table, etc. For instance, it can flood very easily in a desert in a dry river bed, because 1) the ground, not receiving much water, is usually very non-porous, and 2) there is no vegetation, or very little. Vegetation tends to absorb some water, and also works to make the ground more porous (have to have room for the roots to grow).

For safety, MOVE TO HIGH GROUND. In a flood, even though the surface may appear calm, there are often dangerous undercurrents that can doom even an experienced swimmer.

Answer 2

'Coastal floods' are caused by bad weather, especially when it coincides with high tides or by huge waves,tsunamies that form at sea.The storm surge associated with tropical revolving storms can inundate the coastal areas.

'River floods' are caused when more water enters them than they can discharge.The usual causes are heavy rain(particularly at the catchment areas) or snow-melt water.Ice jams can temporarily dam a river and release a torrent of water when they give away.Artificial causes include altered river courses, deforestation resulting in increased run-off and burst dams.

Sudden torrential rain concentrated in a narrow channel can produce a 'flash flood'.

Answer 3

Floods are caused by water so obviously rain is usually involved.  However, it is not necessary for it to be raining in order to have a flood.

Local floods are those caused by more water being produced than can flow away.  These type of floods usually occur in low, flat places.  Other floods are cause by overflowing rivers.  When a river overflows, the rain that created it might have happened many miles away and several days ago.  

Most good safety procedures are obvious, but there are two that are not so obvious.  One is when the flood is unexpected, so preparations must be made in advance.  The other is when water flows over a road and someone tries to use the road anyway, thinking that the water won't cause a problem.  My advice is to NEVER try to drive or walk through a flooded bridge or road.

Answer 4

Too much rain and not enough proper drainage.