10 Must Know Facts about Flash Floods. (And How Your Phone Can Save Your Life)

Flash floods are now a terrifying reality, as climate change intensifies rain patterns. They can turn streets into rivers in minutes. Your smartphone has untapped potential to save lives. These 10 facts are essential for every household.

1. Flash Floods Move at 30 Feet/Second – Enough to Sweep Away SUVs

The Science Water flowing at only 1 foot per second can knock adults of their feet. It generates 500 lbs at 30 ft/sec (9m/s) - enough force to lift boulders or overturn cars. Never drive on flooded roads.

2. FEMA warning: 6 inches of water can topple you

Reality check: According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA), 6 inches (15cm) of water moving causes adults to lose their balance. Even heavy vehicles start to float at 12 inches (30cm).

3. WeA Alerts: Your phone's hidden lifesaver

Activation guide: Wireless emergency alerts (WEAs) send government-issued flood warnings to your cell tower area. Select these options in the settings:

• iOS Settings > Notifications Scroll down to Emergency Alerts

• Android Settings > Safety and Emergency > Wireless Alerts

4. Satellites fill the gaps where radar can't.

Tech insight: Radar on the ground detects rainfall intensity while satellites, like NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement Mission, track moisture accumulation in remote mountains. This is often the cause of "surprise flash floods".

5. Burn Scars Increase Flood Risks by 300%

Geology alert: Wildfire damaged soil repels moisture like pavement. Rainfall on burn scars, which is common in California, accelerates runoff and increases flood speed. Monitor post-fire flood maps via USGS.

6. The Night Floods are 2x as Deadly

Important Stat NOAA reports that 49% of deaths from flash floods occur at night. Set bedtime override to full volume on your phone so that WEA alerts are heard loud and clear.

7. Crowdsourced data boosts early warnings

Join The Network Apps such as mPING, (NOAA’s Precipitation Identification Near the Ground), allow users to report flooding in real time. These crowdsourced data train AI prediction models.

8. Top 3 Disaster Apps for Real-Time Monitoring

1. Red Cross Flood App

• Features: Includes location-based alerts, evacuation maps and flashlight.

2. FEMA app

• Key tools: Disaster resource access, custom emergency plans, shelter locators and customized emergency plans.

3. FloodWatch powered by the USGS

• Pro Use: Visualization of river gauges and rainfall accumulation forecasts.

9. Urban "Rain Bombs", Overwhelm Drainage within 10 Minutes

Engineering Gap: Cities like Los Angeles designed stormwater systems for 1-in-100-year events. Climate change is causing 1,000-year floods (e.g. 9.5 inches in 24 hours in LA, 2024). Underpasses that are flooded should be treated as deadly death traps.

10. You have 15 minutes to reach high ground

Survival protocol: If a Flash Flood Warning has been issued, immediate action must be taken. Climb up to the 4th floor or move perpendicularly to the flow direction.