Emergency Management

Flooding

Floods

Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states. Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. Flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes or without any visible signs of rain.

Floods are a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from:

The overflow of inland/tidal waters;
The unusual/rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source; or
Mudslides (i.e., mudflows) which are caused by flooding and are akin to a river of liquid flowing mud on the surfaces of normally dry land areas.¹

A flood inundates a floodplain. Most floods fall into three major categories: riverine flooding, coastal flooding, and shallow flooding. Alluvial fan flooding is another type of flooding more common in the mountainous western states.

Driving During a Flood²

Almost half of all flash flood fatalities occur in vehicles.
Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
A foot of water will float many vehicles.
Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles and pick-up trucks.
If you come upon a barricaded or flooded road, Turn Around and Don't Drown™.

Flood Safety Tips

Listen to radio and television, including NOAA Weather Radio if possible, check the internet and social media for information and updates.
If you live in a flood prone area or are camping in a low-lying area, get to higher ground immediately.
If told to evacuate, do so immediately. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances.
Don't go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises--get out.
NEVER walk through flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible.
Do NOT drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade. Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide hazards such as sharp objects, washed out road surfaces, electrical wires, chemicals, etc.³
To check out FEMA's interactive flood map tool for the Spokane Region, visit the FEMA flood map.

For more information on floods, visit:

¹ Source: https://www.fema.gov/flood-or-flooding

² Source: https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1621-20490-8846/floodsfactsheet_finalrev2_5_07.pdf

³ Source: https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-during