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Flooding in all Seasons!

PDC Global Hazards Atlas displaying PDC Integrated Active Hazards and 3 day precipitation accumulation

In the northern hemisphere, temperatures are continuing to cool as we progress further into fall and winter.  Before we know it, those rainy autumn days will be turning into snowy cold winter days!  However, did you know that flooding can occur at any time of the year? When you think about “Winter Hazards” perhaps mainly ice, snow, and extreme cold come to mind. However, flooding can still be a major threat!

Some causes of winter-related flooding are:

• Ice Jams
• Snowmelt
• Coastal Flooding

According to the United States Federal Emergency Agency (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP):

• “Ice Jams” can occur when large pieces of ice create natural dams, causing rivers to swell and overflow (see image below). Flooding may also occur when an Ice Jam suddenly breaches, releasing water that was built-up behind it.

Photo of dramatic ice jam forming on the Meduxnekeag River. Photo taken by Canadian Red Cross, Woodstock, New Brunswick.

• Winter flooding may also be caused by the melting of snow (a.k.a. “Snowmelt”). Snowmelt can produce large volumes of water, which can cause lakes, rivers, and streams to overflow their banks.
• “Coastal Flooding” may be caused by strong onshore flows of wind generated by winter storms, resulting in the inundation of coastal land areas.

Want to learn more about flooding in all seasons and other types of disasters? Then, be sure to check out PDC’s Natural Hazards page! Also don’t forget to download the free Disaster Alert mobile app available for iOS and Android devices. PDC’s Disaster Alert will help you stay aware of hazards happening in your neighborhood and around the world!

Recent Flooding Events

Some flooding events that occurred this week are:

• Panama
• Flooding, Landslides
• 94 people reported evacuated and 2 killed
• At least 800 homes damaged
• 3 Disaster Areas declare (ReliefWeb)
• Wales (St. Asaph, Denbighshire)
• River Flooding
• Approx. 400 properties affected (RESOE EDIS)
• Sri Lanka (Southern Province)
• Flooding, Flash Flooding
• 371 families (1,499 People) affected, 4 people killed
• 18 houses fully and 417 partially damaged (Sri Lanka DMC)
• Indonesia (East Jakarta)
• Dike Breach
• Dozens of families evacuated (ReliefWeb)

PDC is currently monitoring flooding events in: England, Honduras, Indonesia, Panama, Sri Lanka, and Wales.

Looking Ahead

Over the next week, PDC will continue to monitor areas of high precipitation and keep a close eye on flooding across the globe. Want to find the most up-to-date information on flooding and other hazards occurring in your neighborhood or around the world? Then be sure to download PDC’s free Disaster Alert mobile app available for your iOS or Android devices today! Also be sure to continue to monitor PDC on Twitter, Facebook, and by way of the Global Hazards Atlas.

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