Water flows from a small wash into the Santa Cruz riverbed following monsoon rains near the Starr Pass Boulevard overpass, on July 23, 2020.
They all sound incredibly similar, but they aren't.
According to the National Weather Service, a flash flood warning is in place when a flash flood is happening or about to happen. What does that mean? If you're in an area that could be easily flooded, leave immediately.
Side note: A flash flood is a sudden flood that is often violent and can cause damages.
On the other hand, a flood warning is in place when dangerous weather is happening or about to happen. The same precautions should be taken for flood warnings and flash flood warnings.
A flood watch is put in place to help prepare people for potentially dangerous weather, such as floods. A flood watch is issued when there is a chance for flooding.
A flood advisory is less urgent than all of the above. The advisory is put in place to create awareness when a flood is not expected to be severe enough for a warning. The advisory is more so in place to alert people of potential inconveniences rather than any dangers.
