Flood Watch
A flood is possible in your area. Take appropriate precautions.
Flood Warning
flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area. Seek safety.
Flash Flood Watch
Indicates that flash flooding is a possibility in or close to the watch area.
Flash Flood Warning
A flood warning issued for life/property threatening flooding that will occur.* Seek safety.
*Very heavy rain in a short period of time can lead to flash flooding, depending on local terrain, ground cover, degree of urbanization, amount of man-made changes to the natural river banks, and initial ground or river condition. Dam breaks can also create flash flooding.