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Ralph Whitaker checks a partially submerged vehicle while searching for his brother who was missing after deadly flooding in Flat Gap, Ky., on July 14, 2015.(Photo: David Stephenson, AP)
Rivers typically flood<span style="color: Red;">*</span>in springtime as snowmelt from mountains makes its way downhill and combines with rain. The annual ritual is known as the spring thaw. Now, government agencies are warning that this autumn may behave much like spring.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)<span style="color: Red;">*</span>says this year’s<span style="color: Red;">*</span>El Niño<span style="color: Red;">*</span>is triggering a higher likelihood for above-normal rain, with higher amounts expected come winter. It's<span style="color: Red;">*</span>already forecasting an above-average flood watch for the Sierra Nevada.
Wildfires could exacerbate the situation. Such blazes<span style="color: Red;">*</span>accelerate flood risk because scorched soil doesn’t retain as much water as healthy soil, meaning runoffs occur more easily. This year has seen an above-average number of fires burn areas on the West Coast —<span style="color: Red;">*</span>about 1,000 more fires than usual in California alone —<span style="color: Red;">*</span>where El Niño rains would have a significant impact.
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Plus, this year's El<span style="color: Red;">*</span>Niño is forecast to be a record-setting one by the National Weather Service.<span style="color: Red;">*</span>An El Niño is a weather phenomenon marked by warmer Pacific Ocean temperatures<span style="color: Red;">*</span>that produces severe weather throughout the world. A warmer ocean transfers more water vapor into the air which, when shaken loose by storms, results in heavier and more concentrated precipitation.
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Last week’s eastern Kentucky flood along with those<span style="color: Red;">*</span>that hit Texas in late May and June<span style="color: Red;">*</span>—<span style="color: Red;">*</span>the most devastating in the state’s history —<span style="color: Red;">*</span>may foreshadow what’s to come in certain parts of the country.
There are four flood types:
•<span style="color: Red;">*</span>Overbank or overland floods: These are the most common types of floods and occur when waterways overflow their banks because of rain or melting snow.
•<span style="color: Red;">*</span>Flash floods:<span style="color: Red;">*</span>These are short-lived events of rapidly rising water. They are usually caused by heavy rainfall in a short period of time. Flash floods can occur within a few minutes or a few hours after rainfall.
•<span style="color: Red;">*</span>Ice jam floods:<span style="color: Red;">*</span>These floods happen when chunks of ice join together and create natural dams. Behind the dam water builds up and floods into nearby areas. In addition, when the ice jam breaks, a flash flood can occur.
•<span style="color: Red;">*</span>Coastal flooding:<span style="color: Red;">*</span>This happens when storm surge pushes excess amounts of water onto shore by the force of winds. The rise in water levels can cause severe flooding, as it did, for example, during Hurricane Sandy. If storm surge coincides with high tide,<span style="color: Red;">*</span>crests can reach 20 feet or more.
It’s also worth noting another phenomenon that appears each fall: tidal bores. These are surges of waves created by the incoming tide of a river and exacerbated by the equinox.<span style="color: Red;">*</span>Surfers seek them out as river waves can reach 10 feet or higher. While amazing to watch and perhaps surf, tidal bores can also be dangerous if waves breach riverbanks.
If you live or vacation near any body of water, check flood hazard maps to evaluate the risk of flooding in your area. You should also put together a flood evacuation plan and share it with family members. Practice flood drills<span style="color: Red;">*</span>if you can.
If you live in a flood zone, ensure your furnace, water heater<span style="color: Red;">*</span>and all electric panels are off the ground and away from water’s reach. Construct flood barriers and seal and waterproof basement walls and windows.
You may also consider installing backflow valves to prevent water from backing up in your water system during a flood.
Don’t ignore the risk of floods. They can be deadly. Every state sees floods, and areas as far as six miles away from rivers have been affected by floodwaters.
All this means that although it’s unexpected for this time of year, you should get flood smart now.
Thomas M. Kostigen is the founder of<span style="color: Red;">*</span>TheClimateSurvivalist.com<span style="color: Red;">*</span>and a New York Times best-selling author and journalist. He is the National Geographic author of<span style="color: Red;">*</span>"The Extreme Weather Survival Guide: Understand, Prepare, Survive, Recover"<span style="color: Red;">*</span>and the NG Kids book" Extreme Weather: Surviving Tornadoes, Tsunamis, Hailstorms, Thundersnow, Hurricanes and More!"<span style="color: Red;">*</span>Follow him<span style="color: Red;">*</span>@weathersurvival, or email<span style="color: Red;">*</span>[email protected].
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