Floodsmart.gov The official site of the National Flood Insurance Program

Call toll free: 1-888-379-9531 or have us call you

Home

About The National Insurance Program Residential Coverage Commercial Coverage Preparation & Recovery

Floods are the #1 natural disaster in the United States.

West Coast Rainy Season

West Coast Threats

The West Coast Rainy Season usually lasts from November to April, bringing heavy flooding and increased flood risks with it; however, flooding can happen at any time.

A string of large wildfires have dramatically changed the landscape and ground conditions, causing fire-scorched land to become mudflows under heavy rain. Experts say that it might take years for vegetation to return, which will help stabalize these areas.

The West Coast also has thousands of miles of levees, which are meant to help protect homes and their land in case of a flood. However, levees can erode, weaken or overtop when waters rise—often causing catastrophic results.

Be prepared! Purchase flood insurance for your home (and business) and its contents, take an inventory of your belongings and make an emergency plan for you and your family. For more information, click here.

Wildfires & Rainy Season—A Recipe for Flooding

Levees are designed to protect us, and our communities, from flooding. There are so many, in fact that 43% of the U.S. population lives in counties with levees. Yet, no design is without flaw. See a larger version of this in PDF form

Note: Adobe Reader is required to download PDF documents. Download the Free Adobe Reader.

Wildfires & Rainy Season—A Recipe for Flooding

Other Spring Flooding Threats

Everyone is at risk

Floods can happen almost anywhere. They are not limited to coastal areas or to devastating tropical storms. Find Out More

Heavy Rain and Snowmelt Almost Ruined Their Dream

Last Updated: Thursday, 13-Sep-2012, 4:06 PM (EDT)