flash flood

noun

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

flash flood

noun

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

flash flood

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of flash flood¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Synonym Study

See flood.

Example Sentences

A flash flood watch is in effect for most of the county from 8 p.m.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Officials estimate that landslides and flash floods in the country have killed around 60 people over the past week.

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"Extraordinary danger. Flooding and flash floods may occur. Follow the advice of civil protection," the agency wrote on X.

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A late summer monsoon that swept over Southern California last week, triggering mudslides and flash floods also destroyed multiple homes and led to a child’s death, officials said.

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Those storms could create fires from dry-lightning strikes or flash floods and debris flows depending on how strong they turn out to be, the National Weather Service warned.

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Related Words

• deluge 
• torrent