Flood Safety: Flash Flood Warnings, Watches and Why You Should Turn Around, Don't Drown
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How we wrote this: A plain-English summary of National Weather Service flood safety pages, checked October 29, 2026. If you're trapped by moving water, get to the highest point and call 911.
Why floods are so deadly
The NWS says more deaths occur each year from flooding than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard. Citing the CDC, it says over half of flood-related drownings happen when a vehicle is driven into flood water. The next largest share comes from walking into or near flood water. Flooding threatens some part of the U.S. nearly every day of the year.
Flood alerts
| Alert | NWS meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Flood Warning | A flash flood is imminent or occurring | Take action. Move to higher ground immediately |
| Flood Warning | Flooding is imminent or occurring | Take action |
| Flood Watch | Conditions are favorable for flooding. It may not happen | Be prepared |
| Flood Advisory | Flooding not bad enough for a warning, but it could be a significant inconvenience | Be aware |
A flash flood is a sudden, violent flood that can develop in minutes to hours, and it can hit places where it isn't raining.
The numbers to remember
- 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
- 12 inches can float a car or small SUV.
- 18 inches can carry away large vehicles.
- A vehicle in swift water can be swept away in seconds.
Turn Around, Don't Drown
Never drive into a flooded road or around a barricade. The NWS warns that water may be deeper than it looks and can hide washed-out pavement, sharp debris, chemicals and downed electrical wires.
During a flood (NWS)
- Stay informed through local radio and TV, NOAA Weather Radio, and phone alerts (see Wireless Emergency Alerts).
- Get to higher ground if you're in a flood-prone or low-lying camping area.
- Obey evacuation orders right away. If there's time, disconnect utilities and appliances.
- Electrical safety: stay out of any basement or room where water covers outlets or cords. If you see sparks or hear buzzing or popping, get out.
- Don't walk through flood water.
Coastal flooding works differently. See storm surge vs. storm tide and king tides. Also: severe thunderstorm warnings.