With the end of winter in sight, warmer weather is right around the corner. While most of us are happy to say goodbye to our winter coats, shoveling snow, and wearing snow boots, spring also means in increased risk of flooding in many areas of the U.S. The rainy months of March and April, combined with melting snow packs, can cause water levels to rise in rivers and streams in many areas.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently published an updated flood forecast for the North Central U.S., including parts of Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, and Montana.
North Central U.S. Spring Flood Risk Map as of Feb. 17, 2011, courtesy of NOAA.
Our regional offices in Denver, Chicago, and Kansas City, MO, have already been working with the entire emergency management team (state, local and tribal agencies, volunteer and faith-based agencies, the private sector, and the public), to prepare for potential flooding. Check out this blog post for specifics on some of the outreach being done in the areas surrounding the Red River, and check back for future posts on our ongoing preparations for spring flooding.
Even if you don’t live in the area included in the NOAA forecast, it’s wise to understand your flood risk and get prepared. Ready.gov is a great place to find information on getting prepared for flooding, breaking preparedness down into three simple steps: get a kit, make a plan, and be informed.
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