Picture this: You’re in your home, listening to the rain as it falls heavy on the window. It’s perfect weather for cozying up with a blanket and a book. Then, your phone vibrates.
A severe weather alert pops up on your screen for a flash flood watch. You panic as you struggle to remember the difference between flood watch vs warning. All the while, the rainfall grows heavier and water levels start to rise.
Floods cause severe property damage every year, with costs only expected to rise by 61% over 30 years in the future. Don’t get stranded in a flooded home. Read more to learn how to tell the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning.
What Is a Flood Watch?
A flood watch indicates that the current weather conditions could lead to a flood developing. It’s more severe than an advisory but does not guarantee that a flood will happen. During a flood watch, take time to gather your supplies and make your plan of escape in case you have to flee for higher ground on short notice. Otherwise, don’t panic and wait for further news.
A flash flood watch is slightly more severe than this, as it indicates that conditions could turn into a flood rapidly. During this, low-lying areas may become flooded.
What Is a Flood Warning?
When you receive a flood warning, that means that a flood is imminent. If you don’t get yourself out as soon as possible, you could end up stranded in your own home, or else drowned as the waters roll in. Any flood warning guide worth its salt would tell you to evacuate to higher ground as soon as possible.
Floodwaters move much faster than you may think. Do not underestimate their speed. If you can’t remember the specific alert and debate whether it was a flood watch vs warning, it’s better to err on the side of a warning.
What Should I Do If I Live in an Area Prone to Flooding?
If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, make sure that you have an emergency plan in place. You should also have flood insurance coverage on your home or renter’s insurance policy. Sometimes, if you live in such an area, you can be charged for flood insurance even if your home technically falls outside of the flood zone.
If this happens, you may need to contact someone to get a loma and reduce your premium prices.
Flood Watch vs Warning: Let’s Review the Difference
The biggest difference between a flood watch vs warning is the urgency involved. A flood watch gives you time to prepare, while a flood warning means that you should evacuate as soon as possible. In either case, remember that your safety takes priority over that of your belongings.
You can replace property. You, yourself, cannot be replaced.
If you found this article informative and would like to learn how to protect your home from floods or recover from water damage, check out our blog for more home improvement content like this.
