As we enter the spring season, many communities in the United States are at risk of flooding due to melting snow, heavy rainfall, and other factors.

Floods can have a wide range of effects, from property damage and economic losses to health hazards and environmental degradation. In this blog, we will explore the risks and impacts of flooding, using the latest data from the 2023 Spring Flood Outlook issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for the Upper Mississippi River Basin.

First, let's define what flooding is and how it happens. Flooding occurs when water overflows its normal boundaries and submerges land that is usually dry.

This can happen in different ways, such as:

• River Flooding: When a river or stream exceeds its capacity and spills over its banks, causing inundation of adjacent areas. This is the most common type of flooding in the United States, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

• Coastal Flooding: When a storm surge or high tide causes seawater to flood coastal areas, causing erosion, damage to buildings and infrastructure, and disruption to transportation and commerce.

• Flash Flooding: When a sudden and intense rainfall or snowmelt overwhelms the capacity of local drainage systems, causing water to accumulate rapidly in low-lying areas. This type of flooding can be particularly dangerous and unpredictable, as it can occur within minutes and without warning.

Now, let's look at the impacts of flooding and the data from the 2023 Spring Flood Outlook Report. According to the NWS, the Upper Mississippi River Basin is at risk of moderate to major flooding this spring, with above-normal snowpack, soil moisture, and streamflow contributing to the potential for high water levels.

Here are some key statistics from the Outlook:

• The risk of moderate to major flooding is above 50% for most of the basin, and above 90% for some areas.

• The potential for record-breaking floods is high, as some river gauges may reach or exceed historic levels.

• The impacts of flooding may include road closures, evacuations, damage to homes and businesses, loss of crops and livestock, and disruptions to transportation, energy, and water systems.

• The health hazards of flooding may include exposure to contaminated water, mold, and other pathogens, as well as injuries and fatalities due to drowning, electrocution, or other accidents.

• The environmental impacts of flooding may include erosion, sedimentation, and pollution of waterways, as well as damage to wildlife habitats and ecosystems.

These effects of flooding can have significant social, economic, and environmental consequences, both in the short term and the long term. For example, the costs of flood damage and recovery can run into billions of dollars, as seen in recent floods in the Midwest and other regions. Flood insurance, disaster assistance, and mitigation measures can help reduce the impact of floods, but they cannot eliminate the risks altogether.

In conclusion, flooding is a natural hazard that can have complex and far-reaching effects on our lives and communities. By understanding the risks and impacts of flooding, we can better prepare for and respond to this threat, and work towards building more resilient and sustainable societies.

Garrison™️ Flood Control provides a complete line of flood control products to combat all kinds of potential flood threats. Our wide variety of flood protection products was developed to meet the flood protection needs of homeowners, municipal public works departments, facility managers, and emergency service departments.

Contact Garrison today to speak with a dedicated Flood Specialist who can help in your flood planning and make recommendations of solutions based on your specific protection needs. Early prevention and preparedness put you in the best possible position to succeed against the costly damages of flooding.

Plan & Prepare With Garrison!

Garrison™ Flood Control is a New York-based manufacturer and distributor of a complete line of flood control products. Garrison products contain, divert, and re-route water away from valuable property, equipment, infrastructure, and facilities and help prevent flood damage due to rising water levels.

For additional information about Garrison Flood Control Systems, please call 929-299-2099 or email sales@garrisonflood.com.