9 Surprising Flood Facts

9 Surprising Flood Facts

1

Floods are the no. 1 cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S. on average from 1994-2013.

2

It only takes a mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water to knock an adult off of his or her feet.

3

It takes only 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car, and only 2 feet to carry away most other vehicles (including SUVs and pickups).

4

Flash floods can trigger a wall of water (a sudden swell within a stream, creek or river bed that moves rapidly downstream) of up to 10 to 20 feet high!

5

While the Eastern U.S. has hurricanes and severe thunderstorms to blame for the majority of its flooding, snowmelt and rainstorms are the main suspects of flooding in the West.

6

Storm surge, which is a type of flooding linked to tropical cyclones, is the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths.

7

Flooding is the only natural hazard for which the federal government provides insurance -- the National Flood Insurance Program sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

8

90% of all U.S. natural disasters declared by the President involve some sort of flooding.

9

Even after floodwaters have receded, hazards still remain and can include: Weakened road surfaces, Contaminated water, Gas leaks and "live" power lines.