It’s Flood Safety Week. According the FEMA and NOAA, floods account for 90% of the natural disasters in the United States. Floods can be caused by snow melt, hurricanes and tropical storms, flash floods, severe storms, and levee failures. Not only are floods the most prevalent of the natural disasters, but are also the most costly and deadly of the disasters.
FEMA and NOAA have paired up and created FloodSmart.gov, a site that educates one about the risks involved with floods, the costs of floods financially and personally, and what one can do to protect against flood risks. It is estimated that 25% of flood claims are from areas that are not in areas considered to be “high-risk”.
FloodSmart.gov outlines how one can begin to recover from a flood.
Southern California is expecting to be hit by another round of precipitation after Thursday’s showers already drenched Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Yesterday’s weather events dumped as much as 2 inches of rain in some parts of the valley.
The thunderstorms, rain, and snow showers hitting the Southland today are expected to stick around through the weekend. MSNBC reports the expected downpours have geologists concerned about potential flash floods and debris flows. High winds are also expected for the area and drivers are advised to travel with caution.
After what is considered “massive amounts of snow” by Seattle residents, the area is now under a flood watch as it all begins to melt.
Seattlepi.com reports: “Meteorologists predict that the combination of rising temperatures, rainfall and the last week’s snowfall could cause flooding in the city.” City officials are anxious about the costs the floods could incur after already having spent nearly $1 million during the recent snowfall and ice development in the city.
The temperature is expected to rise this weekend in the Pacific Northwest. This is a problem because there could be a lot of standing water on the roads as drains are clogged by sand and gravel placed to provide traction in the snow and ice.
It is also feared that rain falling into the snow could weigh-down flat roofs, therefore causing them to collapse.
When one imagines Hawaii, one thinks of sun, perfect beaches, drinks in a pineapple, volcanoes, and lots of green plants every where. However, if one were to visit the state today, they would really see rain, rain, and more rain.
Central Oahu received about a foot of rain yesterday, according to the Honolulu Advertiser. However, parts of Hawaii that were suffering from a drought received up to three inches: an answer to many prayers.
Flash flood watches will remain in effect through the weekend.
