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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Related Words

See flood.

Etymology

Origin of flash flood

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

The weather service also issued a flash flood warning for southwest Los Angeles County for Thursday.

From Los Angeles Times

Torrential rains unleashed flash floods and warnings of debris flow across southern California, particularly in fire-scarred areas, with further downpours forecast for Thursday as authorities declared a state of emergency in several counties.

From Barron's

In March, when flash floods impacted Reynosa, Mexico, the border city across from the river from the Rio Grande Valley, the group delivered aid to support impacted individuals.

From Los Angeles Times

As the name suggests, flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes and without visible signs of rain, according to Ready L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Wednesday will also bring a heightened risk for flash floods in Los Angeles, Ventura and San Bernardino counties, according to the NWS.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deluge
• torrent