flash flood

American  

noun

1. a sudden and destructive rush of water down a narrow gully or over a sloping surface, caused by heavy rainfall.

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flash flood British  

noun

1. a sudden short-lived torrent, usually caused by a heavy storm, esp in desert regions

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flash flood Scientific  

/ flăsh /

1. A sudden, localized flood of great volume and short duration, typically caused by unusually heavy rain in a semiarid area. Flash floods can reach their peak volume in a matter of a few minutes and often carry large loads of mud and rock fragments.

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Synonym Usage

See flood.

Etymology

Origin of flash flood

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Authorities warn that the same storm system is now threatening other islands, with flash flood alerts and evacuation warnings issued for parts of Maui, Molokai and Lanai.

From Salon • Mar. 22, 2026

The platform highlights locations where there could be flash flood risks on a map.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

A fast moving storm drenched Los Angeles overnight and triggered a flash flood warning in a local burn scar Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

The flash flood cut off the state's Great Ocean Road and forced up to 300 people to flee, officials said.

From Barron's • Jan. 16, 2026

Rolling end over end in a flash flood in a big ar- royo.

From "Ceremony:" by Leslie Marmon Silko

Related Words

• deluge
• torrent