Spring Flooding In Paw Paw, MI - Are You Prepared?

3/20/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let a flash flood surprise you, be prepared.

The first day of Spring means that we are one season closer to Summer, but also can bring some severe weather.  According to Ready.gov, floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States.  Floods cause billions of dollars worth of residential and commercial property damage each year.  Floods can damage any property in almost any location, so learning how floods form, the various types of floods, and how they can affect your property is important.

Flash floods are fast-moving waters that grab everything in its path.  Heavy rain or rapid snow melt are the causes of flash floods.  They usually are in a relatively small area and happen with little to no notice, generally less than six hours.  The rapid water can move large objects such as cars, rocks, and trees.

River floods are gradual riverbank overflows caused by extensive rainfall or snow thaw over an extended period of time.  The areas covered by river floods depend on the size of the river and the amount of precipitation.

Urban floods occur when the drainage system in a city or town cannot keep up with a heavy rain or snow melt.  The lack of natural drainage can also contribute to flooding.  Water flows out into streets, making driving very dangerous.

Pluvial floods, commonly referred to as "flash floods", form in flat areas where the terrain cannot absorb the rainwater, causing puddles and ponds to form.  Pluvial floods are similar to urban flooding, but mainly in rural areas.  This type of flooding can seriously affect agricultural activities and properties in the area.

If your Paw Paw home or business has suffered flood damage, call SERVPRO of Van Buren County, 269-639-0464.  Our professionals help to make it "Like it never even happened."