5 Deadliest Flash Floods in the United States

A flash flood happens as a result of a continuous downpour of heavy rainfall. Such natural disasters cause catastrophes to the particular area and surroundings. Mountainous regions, streams, riverbanks, low-lying areas, and urban areas are more prone to the deadliest floods. 

Flash floods could cause significant damage, as they have the potential to sink a town. Here is the list of the five deadliest flash floods in the United States. 

Texas Flood, 1998

On October weekend 17 -18, 1998, a couple of hurricanes over the East Pacific led to a disastrous flash flood in the Guadalupe River and over the San Antonio metro area. The mid-high level moisture of the Medaline Hurricane was passing through the Sierra Madre Occidental into central Texas pouring heavy rains. When the cold front touched the southern and southeastern Texas on Saturday evening it relentlessly downpoured the overall area. As a result, flooded many rivers including the San Marcos River, the Guadalupe River, Canyon Lake, and the Medina River. 

Arkansas Flood 

On July 10, 2010, Arkansas flash floods killed nearly 20 people in Langley, Arkansas, United States. The local cloudburst of 6 to 8 inches flooded the little Missouri and Caddo rivers, wiping out the Ouachita National Forest. Due to the heavy rainfall, Missouri and Caddo river rose 8 feet per hour. The solid three hours of rain swept many tents and cabins. 

Nashville Flood

On May 1 and 2 2010, the torrential rains caused flash floods in several areas in the United States including Middle Tennessee, West Tennessee, south-central and western Kentucky, and northern Mississippi areas. Heavy rainfall at that time caused deaths and property damage. Nearly 30 counties in Tennessee were proclaimed as major disaster areas by the federal government. Constant rain in Tennessee ended up in flash floods in rivers. 

Big Thompson Canyon Flood 

On Sep 11, 2013, the endless shower poured a vast amount of water, that flooded the towns of Northern Colorado. The flash flood was the worst natural disaster, that ever occurred in the history of Colorado. Also, the flood damaged the US Bureau of Reclamation’s Dille Diversion Dam. The enormous infrastructure of the City of Loveland’s hydroelectric plant: the Idylwilde Reservoir was filled with silts and rocks carried by flood. 

Eastern Kentucky Flood 2022

This flash flood is considered America’s deadliest natural disaster in 45 years. The torrential rains caused flash floods in the Kentucky River, a number of thunderstorms, and dangerous flooding. The flood waters swept away many irreparable damages effects. 

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