Public Information Statement
Issued by NWS Binghamton, NY

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000 NOUS41 KBGM 131201 PNSBGM NYZ009-015>018-022>025-036-037-044>046-055>057-062-140400- Public Information Statement National Weather Service Binghamton NY 800 AM EDT Wed Mar 13 2024 The National Weather Service in Binghamton, New York has declared March 14th through March 18th as Flood Safety Awareness Week for central New York. Today`s topic: Flood Hazards Flooding is a coast-to-coast threat to the United States during every month of the year. Flooding typically occurs when prolonged rain occurs over several days, or when intense rain falls over a short period of time, or when an ice jam causes a river or a stream to overflow into the surrounding area. Flooding can also result in the failure of a water controlled structure, such as a levee or dam. The most common form of flooding is rain and snowmelt that accumulates faster than the soil can absorb it, or the rivers can carry it away. Approximately seventy-five percent of all Presidential Disaster declarations are associated with flooding. More information about these flood hazards can be found on the National Weather Service flood safety website at: www.weather.gov/safety/flood/. The following will describe different forms of flooding: Flash Flooding: Flash flooding are floods that happen in a flash. This type of flood generally develops within six hours of the immediate cause. Causes can include heavy rain, ice jams, levee or dam failures. Flash floods are rapid rises of streams or creeks which flood roads, bridges, homes and businesses. Tropical systems and Inland flooding: Tropical storms, hurricanes and their remnants can bring devastating floods well inland. New York has a long history of destructive floods from tropical systems which includes Connie and Diane in 1955, Agnes in 1972, Eloise in 1975, Ivan in 2004, Irene and Lee in 2011, and the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred, Hurricane Henri and Ida in 2021. These storms producing widespread disastrous flooding to parts of New York. It is also important to remember than most deaths related to tropical storms and hurricanes come from flooding inland well away from the coast. So, residents in central New York need to pay close attention anytime a hurricane or tropical storm is approaching. River flooding: River flooding occurs when river levels rise and overflow their banks or the edges of their main channel to inundate areas that are normally dry. River flooding can be caused by heavy rainfall, dam failures, rapid snowmelt and ice jams. River flooding is classified as Minor, Moderate, or Major based on predetermined water height thresholds and impacts near the river. The three stages of river flooding are: Minor: low-lying areas adjacent to the stream or river; mainly rural areas, farmland and secondary roadways. Moderate: Water levels rise high enough to impact homes and businesses near the river. Some evacuations may be needed. Major: Extensive rural and/or urban flooding is expected. Usually with significant water depths and destruction to property in, and near the floodway. Understanding the different types of flood hazards and knowing the actions to take before, during, and after, can help you protect your life, the lives of your loved ones, pets, and your property. Prepare now by visiting www.weather.gov/safety/flood $$ Mitchell Gaines Meteorologist National Weather Service Binghamton, NY

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