There are many kinds of floods.

River floods develop slowly, water gradually rising over days, providing ample time to evacuate.

Coastal floods come mostly from storm surges, when a hurricane or tsunami makes landfall.

Coastal communities also have evacuation warnings. But when not, these can be catastrophic.

Urban flooding happens increasingly as paved areas expand, preventing the land from absorbing rainfall.

Flash floods, though often localized, can be the deadliest for their size, simply because they are sudden.

They occur when torrential rain falls, snow rapidly melts, or water is forced down a river.

They can send a wall of water tens of feet high hurtling down a channel, faster than people can seek safety.

They can sweep away vehicles and roads, making escape impossible.

They can carry debris and chemicals, leaving long-lasting devastation in their path.

Despite a few fatal incidents, authorities are improving their ability to predict and react.

AI analysis of massive weather data now provides longer lead times for flash floods, especially in the Southwest U.S., Latin America, and Asia.

Meanwhile, smarter urban planning and development include runoff zones to capture floodwaters, and innovative warning systems that alert and prepare the populace.

In the rare case you receive an alert, move quickly to high ground and stay safe.