flash flood

15 Flash Flood Facts That Highlight the Urgent Need for Safety

Flash floods are among the most dangerous weather events in the United States. They strike fast, often with little to no warning, and cause massive damage to property and infrastructure. For residents of South Florida—especially Aventura, Davie, Downtown Miami, and East Orlando—understanding the facts about flash floods is key to staying safe and prepared.

flash flood
What should I do after a flash flood?

Here are 15 essential facts about flash floods and why awareness is your best defense:

1. Every region is vulnerable.

No part of the U.S. is completely safe from flash floods. Low-lying areas near rivers, coastlines, and even dry creek beds are especially at risk.

2. Cities are hotspots for flash floods.

Urban areas like Miami and Orlando are particularly susceptible due to impermeable surfaces like asphalt, which prevent water from soaking into the ground.

3. Floodwaters can reach 20 feet.

That’s enough to destroy homes, vehicles, and infrastructure in just minutes.

4. Two feet of moving water can sweep cars away.

A flash flood’s force is powerful enough to move 100-pound boulders and even uproot trees.

5. Six inches can knock you down.

Even shallow water moving quickly can sweep people off their feet—making walking in floods extremely dangerous.

6. An average of 75 deaths occur annually.

Between 2004 and 2013, flash floods killed about 75 people each year in the U.S.

7. Many victims try to outrun the water.

Most fatalities happen when people attempt to escape floodwaters instead of immediately heading to higher ground.

8. Two-thirds of deaths occur in vehicles.

Drivers often underestimate water depth, but cars can become death traps in just seconds.

9. Flood damage is extremely costly.

Only 12 inches of water in a 2,000-square-foot home can cause $50,000 in damage.

10. Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service.

Always take flash flood warnings seriously—they mean danger is imminent.

11. Flash floods can happen with no warning.

Their rapid onset makes them some of the hardest natural disasters to prepare for.

12. Thunderstorms and hurricanes often trigger floods.

Heavy rain overwhelms drainage systems, creating sudden, forceful floods.

13. Flash floods can trigger landslides.

The water destabilizes soil and rocks, increasing the risk of mudslides in vulnerable areas.

14. They often strike the same place multiple times.

Communities with poor drainage or frequent storms face repeated devastation.

15. Climate change is making them worse.

Rising temperatures increase heavy rainfall events, intensifying the frequency and severity of flash floods.


What You Can Do to Stay Safe

  • Know your evacuation routes ahead of hurricane or storm season.
  • Stay informed with alerts from the National Weather Service.
  • Never drive through floodwaters, no matter how shallow they look.
  • Create an emergency plan for your family and review it regularly.

How PuroClean Helps After a Flash Flood

Flash floods can leave devastating damage in their wake. When that happens, you need trained professionals to act fast. Known as “The Paramedics of Property Damage”, PuroClean of Aventura, Davie, Downtown Miami, and East Orlando responds 24/7/365 with certified technicians and advanced equipment to restore your property safely and efficiently.

Our services include:

  • Water and flood damage restoration
  • Mold remediation
  • Fire and smoke damage cleanup
  • Biohazard and trauma cleanup

We’re trusted by leading hospitals, schools, and commercial properties across South Florida—and we bring the same care and precision to every home we restore.


Take Action Today

The time to prepare for flash floods is before disaster strikes. Protect your family, safeguard your property, and know who to call when the worst happens.

📞 Call us anytime:

  • Aventura, Davie & Downtown Miami: (305) 907-7373
  • East Orlando: (407) 751-1550

🌐 Visit us: PuroClean of Aventura, Davie, Downtown Miami & East Orlando

For fast, expert restoration after a flood, trust PuroClean—the Paramedics of Property Damage.