Weather Dictionary / Glossary of Terms

Flash Flood


   Weather TermDescription / Definition
   Flash Flood A rapid and extreme flow of high water into a normally dry area, or a rapid water level rise in a stream or creek above a predetermined flood level, beginning within six hours of the causative event (e.g., intense rainfall, dam failure, ice jam). However, the actual time threshold may vary in different parts of the country. Ongoing flooding can intensify to flash flooding in cases where intense rainfall results in a rapid surge of rising flood waters.


Go back to the F's - Glossary of Weather Terms

Select a Letter:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

Return to the Glossary of Weather Terms Main Page





Data courtesy of NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration