FLASH FLOODING

This past weekend several cities across the U.S. were hit with severe rainfall amounts causing flash flooding and plenty of destruction. Everyone knows that a hurricane with its strong winds and heavy rains will cause significant damage and a rainy Nor’Easter will flood large areas at a time, but even a heavy summer rainstorm can be disastrous.

Too much water in a short amount of time is going to be a problem. It’s a bit akin to blasting a bathtub full of water with a fire hose – the water can only drain so fast.

Parts of coastal North Carolina endured more than 9 inches of rain in just six hours as thunderstorms unloaded their wrath resulting in numerous roadway closures, flooded homes and at least two deaths. It was the “worst flash flooding in decades.” http://www.concordmonitor.com/news/7833007-95/heavy-rains-flood-homes-roads-in-north-carolina

A narrow band of record setting rain dumped more than 8 inches of rain near the Philadelphia International Airport in just four hours.

Located 100 miles south-east of Las Vegas, Kingman, Arizona had many road closures after 2 inches of rain fell in about 90 minutes.

One of the challenges with this flooding event is that it will not be declared a “National Disaster” by the President. Although FEMA will be on the ground, it will not be en masse, nor is the American Red Cross likely to be going door to door with assistance.

Relatively few people were impacted. But to those who were, who are now dealing with a flooded home, my thoughts go out to you today. These flash floods will be but a blip on the news, but it will be months before your home will be put back together.