What are the Different Types of Floods?

Flash Flood

A flash flood occurs when rain falls on already saturated soil or terrain, causing the ground to become unstable. When this happens, the soil loses its ability to absorb water and begins to flow like a liquid. Flash flooding is extremely dangerous because it can happen suddenly and without warning. Flash floods are often caused by severe thunderstorms or tropical storms that move through an area quickly and drop large amounts of rain in a short period of time.

Coastal Flood

Coastal floods occur when strong winds push large amounts of water onto land near bodies of water such as oceans or lakes. Coastal flooding is typically caused by hurricanes or other tropical storms that gain power over warm ocean waters before moving toward the land, producing damaging winds and heavy rains over coastal areas. Coastal flooding can also occur during winter when strong winds blow across large bodies of water, pushing water into coastal areas where it accumulates inland and causes flooding problems on land near the water's edge.

River Flood

River flooding occurs when there is an overflow of water in rivers due to heavy rainfall or snowmelt. River flooding is also called fluvial flooding, which occurs in low-lying areas near rivers such as deltas and floodplains. River floods can be disastrous because they cause damage to property as well as loss of lives due to drowning or electrocution by high-voltage wires that fall down during the deluge of water.

Urban Flood

In cities, flash floods are caused by sewers overflowing or clogged with debris. Stormwater systems cannot handle the sudden increase in water volume due to rainwater or snowmelt, leading to flooding in streets and buildings. These floods usually occur during the summer when heavy rains fall after a dry spell, and there is no time for water drainage.

Pluvial Flood

Pluvial flood occurs when melting snow causes rivers to swell due to the high volume of water flow. This happens mostly in springtime when snow begins to melt at higher altitudes and then flows through valleys into lower regions where it joins with other streams and rivers before arriving at lakes or seaside areas.

Types of Flood Water

Clean Water

Clean water is the most common type of flood water. It usually comes from surface runoff and rainwater. It's clear, safe to drink, and does not cause any damage to your home.

Gray Water

Gray water is a mixture of clean and dirty water from your home's drains and sewers. Gray water may contain food waste, soap residue, hair, grease, and other organic materials (such as diapers). This type of flood water can potentially cause health problems if it enters your home through drains or pipes in the basement or crawlspace.

Black Water

Black water comprises sewage and other contaminants from broken pipes or sewage systems during flooding. Black water can contain dangerous viruses or bacteria that can make you sick if you come into contact with it through mouth or nose contact, eye contact, or touching contaminated surfaces like floors and walls in your home.

Flood Remediation

While flooding can be a serious and potentially life-threatening situation for many, it is always critical to remember that help is available. If you or someone you know has been affected by a flood and are looking to find a water damage restoration services provider, contact Leak Detection of Atlanta. We can help you with all of the flood-related needs.