Flood Warning System

Resources

National Weather Service Logo

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.

EAS Logo

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

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Logo

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.

RVTV-3 Logo

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.