If Flooding Hits, These Are the Types You Might See | SERVPRO® of New Center/Highland Park

It’s easy to underestimate the deadly effects of flooding, but this natural disaster actually takes more lives in the United States per year than hurricanes, tornadoes or flooding. Any community is susceptible to flooding, given there are many different types and causes behind them.

In fact, there are three common types of flooding, and they happen for four typical reasons.

3 Types of Natural Flooding

Flash floods are a very common type, due to the fact they result from heavy rain sitting over a single area. What looks like a little downpour can quickly become a full-on flood if the ground cannot absorb the bulk of water. Flash floods can be powerful enough to sweep away garbage cans, cars and much more.

River floods occur when there’s too much water for a river’s banks to hold, and the water spills over the sides, causing destruction.

Coastal floods happen in areas next to large bodies of water, when storm surges or cyclonic activity causes ocean or gulf levels to rise to flood levels.

The 4 Most Common Causes of Natural Flooding

Heavy rainfall. Storms with excessive rainfall, or storms that sit and rest over an area for an extended period can cause flash floods or river flooding. Urban areas are more at risk for rain floods, because the higher percentage of concrete and asphalt means there’s a lack of soil to soak up all that water. New Center was recently hit by a massive downpour in June 2021. The heavy rain took its toll on several local businesses. In fact, days later, many businesses were still dealing with the severe effects of the flooding and had to undergo major reconstruction.

Oceanic activity. Storm surges, hurricanes and rising tides can cause water levels to rise in waves, which can invade coastal communities and wreak havoc.

Dams and levees failing. The most notable example of this in recent history would be the disastrous levee breaks during 2005’s Hurricane Katrina. Levees and dams fail when cracks occur or excess pressure overtakes the dam’s ability to contain the surge of water behind it.

Snowmelts and ice dams. In areas of the country where heavy snow and prolonged freezing temperatures are common, snow and ice can build up over a winter’s time, and when they start to melt, they cause rivers of water to flow through area communities. Ice dams or ice jams happen when rivers become blocked by built-up ice being carried downstream, causing the banks to overflow.

Regardless of the cause of the flooding, SERVPRO has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover from its disastrous effects. Contact us anytime when flooding or water damage makes a mess in your life.