Minnesotans know weather extremes better than any other state. Minneapolis’s climate is known as “hot-summer humid continental”. Humid year-round and with severe unpredictability, the Twin Cities are subject to the widest temperature and climate ranges in the nation due to its location in the center of North America. We’ve experienced record-breaking heavy rainfall, springtime thunder, snow, tornadoes, and almost every year, floods. Flooding has become almost commonplace here, with the Minnesota River and Mississippi River running through the Twin Cities, causing river overflow during particularly wet seasons, including summer. Floods and flash floods are a serious danger in this city, and it’s important to know how to interpret postings and counsel from your local news stations. Understanding the differences between flood advisories, watches, and warnings can help keep yourself, your family, and your home safer during a surge.
Flood Advisory
A flood advisory is declared when a particular weather event is forecast to occur that may cause flooding that will be inconvenient, but necessarily dangerous if proper precautions are taken. However, as with most inclement weather postings, situations can change and you should err on the side of caution to protect against any personal or property damage. Staying up to date on home maintenance can minimize flood damage to your property. If flood damage occurs in your Minneapolis home, contact the professional flood damage restoration team at 24 Restore right away.
Flood Watch
A flood watch is more pressing than an advisory in the sense that the weather event that is forecast to cause potential flooding is more likely, and therefore more hazardous. While it is still considered a forecast and does not guarantee a flood, it is still important to take this posting seriously. When heavy storms result in a flood watch, you should take action by checking your roof for damage, cleaning out your gutters, and taking any precautions against water pooling in your yard against your house. These actions could protect your home from flood damage due to heavy rains.
Flash/ Flood Warning
A flood or flash flood warning are the two most serious weather postings for a flood-prone location. They are declared when flooding is imminent or, as is often the case of a flash flood, already occurring. While a flood is more easily determined and expected, a flash flood is dangerous and violent, sometimes taking mere minutes to develop. It is even possible for flash floods to occur and damage areas not actively receiving any rainfall. If you see a flood or flash flood warning for your area, immediately get to higher ground and stay updated with news on what to expect further.
Minnesotans may see these postings regularly throughout the year, but it is important to comprehend the differentiation and take proper action. One helpful act you can do now is to familiarize yourself with your local flood damage restoration company so that in the event that your home does experience flood damage, you already know who to call and it’s one less stressor you have to worry about.
24Restore of Minneapolis, Minnesota is a locally-owned and operated flood damage restoration service company that specializes in emergency damage. With over 20 years of experience and more than 50 full-time team members, our IICRC Certified Drying Technicians can care for any flood damage. Team members also receive weekly training on updated industry techniques and are skilled in burst water pipes, water removal, sanitation, mold testing, mold removal, structural drying, etc. They offer emergency call service response 24/7, 365 days a year, and will dispatch a team member within an hour of your call. You may also submit non-emergency questions you may have regarding flood damage on their webpage, and you can be assured that you will receive answers to your questions by one of the highest-rated restoration companies in Minneapolis. Floods are dangerous, scary, and damaging. But with our team, all you have to worry about is yourself, because they’ll worry about your home.