History of Flash flood warning in Timeline

A flash flood warning is a critical alert issued by weather forecasting agencies when a flash flood is imminent or already happening. Flash floods are characterized by their sudden and violent nature, typically triggered by intense rainfall or dam failures. Several factors contribute to the risk of flash flooding, including the intensity and duration of rainfall, the topography of the land, the condition of the soil, and the presence of ground cover. These warnings are essential for public safety, prompting immediate action to avoid floodwaters.

August 27, 2017: Flash Flood Emergency for Catastrophic Life Threatening Flooding

On August 27, 2017, the NWS issued a "Flash Flood Emergency for Catastrophic Life Threatening Flooding" as Hurricane Harvey caused torrential rain in southeast Texas.

September 10, 2017: Flash Flood Emergency for life-threatening storm surge

On September 10, 2017, a Flash Flood Emergency was issued by the NWS for life-threatening storm surge because of Hurricane Irma in southwestern Florida at the eye landfall.

February 6, 2020: Flash Flood Emergency for Tazewell County, Virginia

On February 6, 2020, the NWS issued a Flash Flood Emergency for Tazewell County, Virginia, due to a major storm causing the Clinch River to rise to its highest crest in 40 years.

May 20, 2020: Flash Flood Emergency for the Tittabawassee River

On May 20, 2020, the NWS issued a Flash Flood Emergency for the Tittabawassee River in Midland County, Michigan, due to multiple dam failures causing the river to overflow.

July 6, 2020: Flash Flood Emergency for Tacony Creek and Frankford Creek

On July 6, 2020, the NWS issued a Flash Flood Emergency for Tacony Creek and Frankford Creek, the former situated along Montgomery County and North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the latter along Philadelphia's Frankford neighborhood.

September 2, 2021: First ever Flash Flood Emergency for New York City, Philadelphia, Fairfield and New Haven Counties

On September 2, 2021, the NWS issued a first ever Flash Flood Emergency for New York City, Philadelphia, Fairfield and New Haven Counties, and most of Central New Jersey as the remnants of Hurricane Ida transitioned and intensified into a post tropical cyclone causing torrential rains.

July 28, 2022: Flash Flood Emergencies in eastern Kentucky for catastrophic and deadly flooding

On July 28, 2022, the NWS issued several Flash Flood Emergencies in eastern Kentucky for catastrophic and deadly flooding.

March 27, 2023: Flash Flood Emergency for a dam break on the Head's Creek Reservoir

On March 27, 2023, the NWS issued a Flash Flood Emergency for a dam break on the Head's Creek Reservoir in Spaulding County, Georgia.

September 27, 2024: Flash Flood Emergency for Metro Atlanta as Hurricane Helene

On September 27, 2024, a Flash Flood Emergency was issued for Metro Atlanta as Hurricane Helene brought catastrophic flooding to the area.

October 9, 2024: Flash Flood Emergency for Tampa Bay and Big Bend areas

On October 9, 2024, a Flash Flood Emergency was issued for several counties in the Tampa Bay and Big Bend areas of Florida as Hurricane Milton posed life-threatening flooding to a large portion of the West Coast.