Flash Floods: The new trend in weather?

Flash Flooding (Sources: U.S. Geological Survey and Science Daily) Flash flooding, one of the biggest causes of natural hazard-related deaths in the United States, is difficult to predict according to the http://www.usgs.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Flash flooding happens when intense thunderstorms dump large quantities of rain into steep or urban watersheds in a short period of time. Because of the flash flooding that has occurred in the United States and other nations, the http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/subjects/emr-isac/index.shtm" target="_blank">Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) examined the article by http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100616135050.htm" target="_blank">Science Daily, which indicated that data collected by the USGS is crucial to formulating better predictive models. “These models are needed by forecasters and emergency responders to warn the public and improve planning, in order to minimize the impacts of future floods.” The USGS recently released a new service, called “http://water.usgs.gov/wateralert" target="_blank">WaterAlert.” It allows users to receive text or e-mail updates about specific river flows, groundwater levels, water temperatures, rainfall, and water quality at any of the sites where USGS collects real-time water information. “WaterAlert” helps inform emergency managers and responders about current water conditions, such as flooding, so that they can take appropriate actions. Additionally, the USGA operates approximately 7,500 streamgages as part of the National Streamflow Information Program, which provides emergency personnel and the public with long term, accurate, and unbiased information on streamflow in real-time. http://bit.ly/gIGXAc