Flood: Watch, Warning, Advisory?

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

What is the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service?

Sometimes it is nice to have a reminder of the difference, so we thought it would make a great topic to share about on our blog. There's a few different important definitions to share so let's get into it.

A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

A Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it could cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten lives and/or property.

Thank you to the National Weather Service for providing such great definitions for us to share with our readers!