• Heavy rains: Rain soaks into soil and foliage well, along with falling into rivers and reservoirs, but excessive rain can oversaturate this natural system. Floods occur when the water has nowhere else to go. 
• Flash flooding: If a large amount of water rapidly sweeps over an area, a flash flood will often occur unpredictably. In fact, the majority of flood-related deaths are tied to flash floods. 
• River flooding: The land around a river is called a watershed because it “sheds” into the river when rain falls. This can cause the water to rise over the edges of the river, leading to flooding. Fortunately, river flooding is generally easy to predict. 
• Urbanization: Concrete and asphalt does not soak up water like a forest would. A large amount of water in an urbanized area could quickly overflow storm drains and sewers, causing flooding. 
• Tsunamis and hurricanes: When monstrous waves crash over coastal areas, the damage extends beyond the actual tidal wave. If dams or levees are damaged, the downstream areas could be in big trouble. 
• Monsoon systems: Wind currents blow from the ocean toward the land when the land temperature rises above that of the ocean temperature. This collection of water vapor over dry land can lead to increased rainfall, which as we’ve learned, leads to flooding. 
• Ice jams: As large chunks of ice break up and float downstream, they can pile up and jam the water flow. This blockage means the water must go somewhere. 

Ask how coverage can protect your family. Call Dave Millet Insurance Agency at one of our locations for more information on flood insurance.