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Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states.
However, all floods are not alike. Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. But flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes and without any visible signs of rain. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris and can sweep away most things in its path. Overland flooding occurs outside a defined river or stream, such as when a levee is breached, but still can be destructive. Flooding can also occur when a dam breaks, producing effects similar to flash floods.
Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds, or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood. Every state is at risk from this hazard.
Floods happen when a watercourse overflows. They could be caused by rain, thaws or ice jams.
Heavy RainWhen it rains, water falling on the ground penetrates it. But when the ground already contains a lot of water, the falling rain could not seep through it. The water then starts flowing toward a watercourse.When it rains a lot on a region, all water flows toward the river, but this river cannot contain it; therefore, the river overflows.
ThawWhen spring arrives, snow and ice start to melt and the water flows toward the river. If the temperature rises too rapidly, a lot of water is produced in a short time; the river overflows and a flood happens. Ice JamIn spring, rivers thaw out and big chunks of ice detach themselves and drift on the river. Sometimes these chunks get jammed against a bridge or rocks. Consequently, these chunks of ice form a kind of dam.When water can not flow through this dam, it tries to find an alternate course to reach the river… and, sometimes, this new course is a field, a road or a house basement.
The Waban-Aki is a hovercraft used by the Canadian Coast Guard for ice breaking operations, which reduce flood risks. Power shovels are also used to break ice. They are known as "frogs"!
Flood is the most frequent disaster in Québec. All regions having a watercourse flowing through them could be affected. Is there a watercourse near your house? Ask your parents if your municipality has a flood emergency plan.
What to Do During a FloodWith your parents, bring upstairs all objects of the basement that could be damaged by water. If your family is asked to evacuate, do so immediately! The water level can rise faster than you think. Do not forget your emergency kit. Did You Know...?- In all Canadian history, the worst flood happened in the Saguenay region in 1996. In two days, the quantity of water that felt was the same as the quantity flowing through the Niagara falls in four weeks! This flood was called the deluge.
Rubye Mante
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoFloods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states.
However, all floods are not alike. Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. But flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes and without any visible signs of rain. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris and can sweep away most things in its path. Overland flooding occurs outside a defined river or stream, such as when a levee is breached, but still can be destructive. Flooding can also occur when a dam breaks, producing effects similar to flash floods.
Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds, or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood. Every state is at risk from this hazard.
Floods happen when a watercourse overflows. They could be caused by rain, thaws or ice jams.
Heavy RainWhen it rains, water falling on the ground penetrates it. But when the ground already contains a lot of water, the falling rain could not seep through it. The water then starts flowing toward a watercourse.When it rains a lot on a region, all water flows toward the river, but this river cannot contain it; therefore, the river overflows.
ThawWhen spring arrives, snow and ice start to melt and the water flows toward the river. If the temperature rises too rapidly, a lot of water is produced in a short time; the river overflows and a flood happens. Ice JamIn spring, rivers thaw out and big chunks of ice detach themselves and drift on the river. Sometimes these chunks get jammed against a bridge or rocks. Consequently, these chunks of ice form a kind of dam.When water can not flow through this dam, it tries to find an alternate course to reach the river… and, sometimes, this new course is a field, a road or a house basement.
The Waban-Aki is a hovercraft used by the Canadian Coast Guard for ice breaking operations, which reduce flood risks. Power shovels are also used to break ice. They are known as "frogs"!
Flood is the most frequent disaster in Québec. All regions having a watercourse flowing through them could be affected. Is there a watercourse near your house? Ask your parents if your municipality has a flood emergency plan.
What to Do During a FloodWith your parents, bring upstairs all objects of the basement that could be damaged by water. If your family is asked to evacuate, do so immediately! The water level can rise faster than you think. Do not forget your emergency kit. Did You Know...?- In all Canadian history, the worst flood happened in the Saguenay region in 1996. In two days, the quantity of water that felt was the same as the quantity flowing through the Niagara falls in four weeks! This flood was called the deluge.
Anonymous
floods occur from heavy rainfall,melting snow and ice, channels with steep sides
Anonymous
due to heavy rain
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Where and why do floods occur?
a flood can occur anywhere. It happens when there is a lot of
When did the molasses flood occur?
1919
When and where are floods most likely occur?
during flood season in flood zones
Where does the flood usually occur?
Floods usually occur in florida. {I think}
Where does a flood is most likely to occur?
the ground
Where did the Bangladesh 2007 flood occur?
In the North
How can scientists tell if a flood is going to occur?
rocky
When does a flood usually occur?
When it rains or snows continuously.
When did then flood in Pakistan occur?
it started in about june-july
Where did the last major flood occur in Asia?
pakistan
Describe two situations in which floods can occur?
A flood can occur during or after a storm and during and after a hurricane.
Where is a flood most likely to occur?
near coastal areas
