Most of the country is expected to experience above-average precipitation this spring, increasing the flood risk.
According to NOAA’s U.S. Spring Outlook issued March 21, nearly two-thirds of the lower 48 states face an elevated risk for flooding through May, with the potential for major or moderate flooding in 25 states.
Source: BEEF, March 21, 2019. Link. According to USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the winter of 2018-19 was the wettest ever for the United States.
“Severe weather and flooding can strike anywhere, whether or not you are in a high-risk area,” said Daniel Kaniewski, Ph.D., deputy administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency. Insurance is the first and best line of defense. Act now to make sure you have the right coverage for a flood by visiting floodsmart.gov, and don’t forget to download the FEMA mobile app to get real time weather alerts in your area.”
Also see: Drovers, March 25, 2019. Flood video coverage. Link #1 Link #2
INSIGHTS: Be warned. Recheck disaster recovery plans and update staff training as needed. This includes considering how staff members’ commutes might be affected by high waters.