Flood Warning System

Resources

Flood Watches and Warnings - The National Weather Service will issue watches and warnings which will be broadcast by local television and radio stations.

• Flash Flood Warning: "Take Action!" A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.
• Flash Flood Watch: "Be Aware." A Flash Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding. It does not mean that flash flooding will occur, but it is possible.
• Flood Warning: "Take Action!" A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
• Flood Watch: "Be Prepared." A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
• Flood Advisory: "Be Aware." A Flood Advisory is issued when a weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance, but is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

Emergency Alert System (EAS) - The EAS, formerly titled the Emergency Broadcast System, issues alerts over radio, local television stations, cable, and pay television channels.

Integrated Flood Observation Warning System (IFLOWS) - IFLOWS is a system of 20 gauges around the Roanoke Valley that monitor rainfall and rising creeks. IFLOWS can provide a 1-5 hour advanced warning of serious flooding on the Roanoke River. This system is not effective for flash flooding.

Government Access RVTV Channel 3 - This channel on the Cox Cable system has the capacity to interrupt all local cable television channels to broadcast emergency information.