Difference Between Flood Watch and Flood Warning

2/1/2023 (Permalink)

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Floods can do devastating damage to homes and businesses, so it’s important to keep an eye on weather developments. Some of the common languages about floods can be a little confusing, especially when meteorologists assume their viewers know all the terms. There’s an important difference between a “flood watch” and a “flood warning,” for instance. Here are a few important terms and what they mean.

Flood Advisory - Be Aware

Issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

Flood Watch - Be Prepared

A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Flood Warning - Take Action

A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring. This always comes after a flood watch. 

Pay attention to all three, but realize that a flood warning is much more serious. Here’s one way to remember the difference: You watch for a threat. When you see it, then it’s time to warn people. 

Flash Flooding is flooding that begins within 6 hours, and often within 3 hours, of heavy rainfall. It can also occur after dam or levee breaks or mudslides.

Flash Flood Watch - Be Prepared

Issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding. It does not mean that flash flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Flash Flood Warning - Take Action

Issued when flash flooding is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

Areal Flood Warning

Normally issued for flooding that develops more gradually, usually from prolonged and persistent moderate to heavy rainfall.  

River Flood Warning

These are issued when a river is forecast to go above its designated flood stage at the forecast point.

Coastal Flood Watch

This means that seawater spillage over dune lines and sea walls will occur if the weather develops as expected. People in the watch area should be ready to move to safe ground if flooding occurs or if warnings are issued.

Coastal Flood Warning

This means that seawater spillage over dune lines and sea walls is occurring, is imminent, or is expected within the next 12 hours. People in the warned area should take immediate action to protect their lives and property.

If your Northeast Florida home or business has suffered flood damage, call SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra at (904) 246-6118. Our highly trained restoration technicians have the experience and equipment to restore your Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, or Ponte Vedra building and get everything back to like-new condition. A trusted leader in the industry, we’ve served our community for more than 40 years.