Flooding is the most common natural disaster and can occur anywhere it rains. Flooding can be localized in a particular neighborhood or widespread, affecting entire cities or large portions of states and territories. Floods can develop over a period of days, giving you adequate time to prepare; however, flash floods can develop in a matter of minutes. Rushing flood waters can be deeper and stronger than they look. These waters also are destructive and can carry debris, rocks, and mud.
Flooding can accompany other natural hazards, such as hurricanes and tropical storms. "Water is the No. 1 killer during a hurricane or tropical storm that strikes the U.S. - comprising nearly 90% of all tropical cyclone deaths - mostly by drowning in either storm surge, rainfall flooding or high surf," according to a 2014 study by Dr. Edward Rappaport, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center.