Rainstorms and Flash Floods: Severe Fall Weather Outlook

EcoFlow

Much of the country is experiencing a season of severe weather with heavy rainstorms, hurricanes, and tropical storms, which can all contribute to flooding. Flash flooding is becoming increasingly common and can quickly escalate into a disaster for those caught in it. 

Keep reading to learn more about forecasting your flood risk, the difference between a flood watch and a warning, and how to stay safe when the alert is issued. The time to prepare for flooding is before the rain starts to fall. 

Excessive Rainfall and Flood Risk

Severe rain-related weather is typical during the transition seasons, spring and fall. When rain is predicted, you can quickly use the Excessive Rainfall Forecast (ERF) from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to see if you’re at risk for flooding. The ERF provides the probability of excessive rainfall surpassing the flash flood guidance in the upcoming days, giving you time to prepare for this natural disaster. Essentially, it provides the likelihood that the amount of rain received will result in flash flooding in your area. 

Recognizing Watch and Warning Signals for Flash Floods

A flood watch is issued when weather conditions could lead to a flood. It’s typically issued hours to days in advance over a wide region when heavy rainfall is forecasted. It’s also issued if nearby rivers, streams, and other waterways cannot keep up with previous rainfall, the levels are rising, large amounts of snow are melting, or severe storms are approaching. 

During a flood watch, prepare for potential flooding. 

A flood warning is more serious than a watch. It is issued for a specific area, usually along rivers or streams. During a warning, flooding is a matter of when, not if, and it could happen within a few hours. You should take action and follow your evacuation plan. 

If you often get confused between watches and warnings, a good saying is “watch for the warning”, because the watch is issued before the warning. During an issued watch, you should “watch” and prepare for the warning. 

Staying Safe During Heavy Rain: Personal Safety & Evacuation Guidance

During heavy rain, flood watches, flood warnings, and flash flood warnings are likely to be issued. Here’s a list of tips and guidance to remember when you experience heavy rainfall. Sometimes, heavy rainfall happens while you’re on vacation, traveling, or just out running errands, so keep these tips written down or commit them to memory. 

  • Evacuate immediately if your area is ordered to do so or if you feel unsafe. This is especially important if you live near a strong creek or river. 

  • Turn around; don’t drown. If you’re caught in heavy rain while driving, don’t continue driving through flooded and actively flooding streets. Quickly turn around and drive towards higher ground. If it’s a quick flash flood, you may need to wait for the water levels to lower before continuing the drive. 

  • Leave your vehicle. Only do this if your vehicle stalls due to the floodwaters. Abandon the car and move to higher ground, as rising waters may eventually cover the vehicle. 

  • If you’re trapped in a building, get to the highest level. Avoid closed-off spaces, such as the attic, to prevent being trapped by rising water. Go to the roof if necessary and signal for help. 

  • Avoid deep water. While walking to higher ground, avoid walking through flood areas. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock over an adult and carry them away, and 12 inches can carry away a car. You also never know what is floating or underneath flood water: animals, glass, large rocks, needles, nails, electrical lines, etc. Be alert for dangerous debris.

Prepare for home evacuations in advance. Build an emergency kit, have an evacuation plan, and know how you will stay updated with the weather. An emergency kit should include a portable power station, such as an EcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic, medical supplies, a contact list, non-perishable food, water, and flashlights with extra batteries. Be smart and have a contingency plan in place. If you’re in a flood watch but will leave your home, bring your evacuation supplies with you in case the watch turns into a warning. 

Portable Power Solutions for Severe Weather

Any kind of severe weather lends the possibility of a blackout, making it difficult to receive updates about the weather, outside conditions, and what to expect in the next few hours. Backup portable power solutions, such as solar generators, provide unlimited electricity during power outages. For example, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Solar Generator (PV220W) can be recharged with sunlight. 

This solar generator can be taken with you during an evacuation. It can recharge phones, tablets, and small appliances, such as a weather radio. In this age of technology, portable power is a crucial component of a robust emergency plan and kit. 

DELTA 3 Classic Portable Power Station

The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic delivers 1800W of reliable power (3600W surge) with X-Boost™ to support high-demand appliances up to 2600W. Fast-charging to 80% in just 45 minutes, ultra-quiet at 30dB, and built tough with 10 years of dependable performance, it’s a lightweight, portable solution you can trust anywhere—backed by up to 5 years of warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Heavy Rain Cause Flash Floods?

Yes, heavy rain can lead to flash flooding. This usually occurs because the ground, waterways, and drainage systems become overwhelmed. Water cannot drain out of the area fast enough. Flash flooding is especially common if the ground and drainage systems are already saturated from previous rainfalls. 

What’s the Difference Between Floods and Flash Floods?

A flood is an overflow of water. Floods occur more slowly than flash floods, but they often last longer, lasting anywhere from days to weeks. Flash floods occur when excessive rainfall falls in a short period, typically within minutes to a few hours. It’s a quick saturation of the drainage systems, but it often clears away quickly. 

Heavy Rain Increases Flood Risk, Demands Preparedness, and Requires Reliable Power

Severe storms with excessive rainfall are not uncommon during this time of year. The transition from summer to winter brings heavy rains for many states across the U.S., but with this comes the risk of floods and flash floods. Use the NOAA Excessive Rainfall Forecast to monitor your risk of flooding when heavy rains are predicted. Monitor alerts for flood watches and warnings and take action accordingly to stay safe. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic provides backup power during flood evacuations, keeping you and your family informed about the weather. 

Off-Grid Power