During the summer months, thunderstorms, hurricanes, and monsoons can rapidly bring forth heavy rainfall, making affected regions more susceptible to floods if the ground does not absorb the water quickly enough. While summer rain is expected, meteorologists and safety officials emphasize the importance of preparing for storms, as heavy downpours can be deadly.
As of July 7, more than 100 people are dead after catastrophic flooding devastated Kerr County, Texas, and its neighboring regions on July 4, due to water levels in the Guadalupe River rising to 22 feet in just a matter of hours. Although the National Weather Service (NWS) had predicted rain days prior, the flooding caught officials by surprise.
“The original forecast that we received on Wednesday from the NWS predicted three to six inches of rain in the Concho Valley and four to eight inches of rain in the Hill Country,” said Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, during a press conference following the catastrophe. “We worked with our own meteorologists to fine-tune that weather statement… and the amount of rain that fell in this specific location was never in any of the forecasts.”
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), July and August are when flash floods primarily occur, which is in the middle of the Atlantic hurricane season (June through November) and monsoon season (June through September).
With recent cuts and downsizing proposals to the NOAA and NWS from the Trump Administration, accurate forecasting and efficient coordination during extreme weather may be more difficult to execute.
“The Trump Administration’s proposal to slash NOAA’s climate research and other vital programs will put American communities in harm’s way,” said Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen in a statement. “This move… will endanger our communities and leave us all more vulnerable to destructive and costly natural disasters.”
How to Prepare for Floods: What to Know Before the Storm
Due to the increased frequency of intense rainfall in the warmer months, experts note communities across the country must be adequately prepared in the event of a flooding emergency.
“Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live or work, but especially if you are in low-lying areas, near water, behind a levee or downstream from a dam,” said the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I). “Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood.”
Below are some ways to be prepared with knowledge and tools to help even before there’s rain in the forecast.
- Understand NWS Service Messages and Terminology
- Flash Floods vs. Floods: Flash Floods are those caused by heavy rainfall in a short period of time, destroying riverbeds and ravaging streets and residential areas. A flood is characterized by the increased pooling of water in dry areas and can usually last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
- Flood Watches vs. Flood Warnings: When the NWS anticipates that an inundation in rising water levels will occur in a specific area, the agency issues flood watches to urge communities in the designated region to remain alert. Flood warnings are released ahead of impending flooding or once the disaster has already been reported.
- Determine Flood Risks in the Area
Areas along bodies of water or near places like levees or dams are prone to experiencing extensive flooding when hit with excessive rainfall. Other regions vulnerable to floods and their effects are those with less flora and fauna and a large amount of dry soil, as the ground is less able to absorb surplus water.
The presence of the Potomac River, Anacostia River, Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic coastline makes Washington vulnerable to major flood events. According to the climate risk data provider First Street, 17.1% of properties in D.C. are at risk of flooding in 2025.
- Get Flood Insurance
According to a report by the Congressional Joint Economic Committee, the U.S. experiences anywhere between $179.8 billion and $496 billion in flood-related damages annually.
“The expected annual damage to homes with federally-backed mortgages is estimated to cost $11.1 to $15.1 billion,” per the report.
To help property owners, renters and businesses affected, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers policies to cover physical losses and property damages. According to the insurance company, nearly one-third of flood insurance claims come from areas that aren’t considered high-risk.
- Stock Up
Households should store a three-day supply of drinking water, with a gallon per day per person, and a three-day supply of non-perishable food during major flooding, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Households should also have battery-powered radios readily available to remain informed regarding flooding status, evacuation routes and other crucial updates. People should know the station in the NOAA Weather Radio Service that pertains to their state and county.
- Secure Documents in Waterproof Container, Store Valuables in Safe Space,
Documenting belongings with photos and videos, and writing down their serial numbers, is a measure that can be taken to ensure protection and possible insurance coverage if damaged.
Further, storing valuables and documents on the highest level of the home is a proactive way to minimize potential losses. If the highest level of the home is at risk of flooding, storing them in a waterproof safe or airtight storage bin can further protect possessions.
- Evacuate When Told to Do So
Remaining informed regarding local evacuation routes is crucial in staying safe and out of harm’s way.
It is not safe to go past road barricades, as the path behind them could either be unstable or still be flooded.
Evacuees should try to leave before flood waters reach their area, avoid bridges that stretch over bodies of rushing water and be aware of shelter plans.
Staying Safe During and After the Storm
- Get to Higher Ground
During a flood, people should get to higher ground, especially if their area has low elevation or is in close proximity to a body of water.
If stuck in the house, those inside should go to the highest level possible, but avoid closed attics due to the risk of being trapped by rising water. A person should only climb onto the roof if absolutely necessary.
- Stay Inside, ‘Turn Around. Don’t Drown’
The NOAA strongly advises against driving or walking through floodwaters, as just 12 inches of rapidly moving water can overtake a car, and two feet for SUVs and trucks.
When caught in floodwaters, the federal agency advises people to “Turn Around. Don’t Drown,” because more than half of flood-related drownings occur when people are trapped in a vehicle.
- Quickly Work to Dry Inside
Once the weather event dies down, if a home is flooded, residents must move quickly to dry their homes, as they have 24 to 48 hours before mold begins to grow, according to the American Red Cross.
Properties can be dried using dehumidifiers or fans unless electrical outlets were submerged, as this could increase the risk of electrocution.
- Share Survival Stories
Flood survivors have the opportunity to share their stories with the NWS via its “Flood Safety Tips and Resources” page.
The agency can publish these narratives in order to help prevent others from becoming victims of severe weather.
By providing a name, date, location and whatever safety procedures were taken to ensure safety, survivors can help decrease the number of lives lost in future floods.
Combating Fear with Preparation
As storm seasons ravage the country, flooding will remain one of the most devastating and frequent natural disasters in the U.S., and many Americans are concerned.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, “[90%] of natural disasters within the United States involve flooding,” and are the natural hazard to cause the most economic damage, fatalities and property loss.
With such statistics and particularly after the flooding in Texas, some Americans have been concerned about the potential that can come with storms.
“I’ve heard of flash floods of course, but to see how quickly they occur is beyond just scary,” social media user Paul Shepherd wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Despite the dangers of floods during the stormy summer season, weather experts and safety officials alike emphasize being armed with knowledge and resources is the best way to stay safe and protected in case of an emergency.
T&I urges communities to remain alert and aware of any emergency procedures and responses issued by local officials, as the most vital response to disaster transpires at the local level.
“State and local officials will have the most up-to-date information about conditions on the ground and the location of food, water and shelter,” the committee said. “Get to know the state, county and municipal emergency managers in your district and build a relationship before disaster occurs.”
