flash-flood
Definition
Noun: A flash flood is a sudden, rapid, and destructive flood that occurs within a short period of time, typically within six hours of a heavy rainfall, dam break, or rapid snowmelt. It is characterized by a powerful surge of water that can overflow rivers, streams, or dry channels, often catching people off guard.
Usage Examples
- (A rapid flood resulting from intense rain.)
- (A warning about an imminent, fast-moving flood.)
Advanced Usage
- "flash flood warning": an official alert issued by meteorological agencies when a flash flood is imminent or occurring.
- The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for the coastal region. (An urgent advisory about an immediate flood threat.)
- "flash flood watch": an alert indicating that conditions are favorable for a flash flood to develop.
- A flash flood watch is in effect until midnight. (A precautionary notice about potential flooding.)
Variants and Related Words
- Flash-flooding (n): the occurrence or process of a flash flood.
- Flash-flooding is common in arid regions after sudden storms. (The phenomenon of rapid flooding.)
- Flash (n): a sudden, brief burst of light or something else; in "flash flood," it modifies the flood to indicate suddenness.
- The flash of lightning preceded the flash flood. (A sudden burst of light.)
Synonyms
- Torrent: a strong, fast-moving stream of water.
- A torrent of water rushed down the mountain. (A powerful flow, similar to a flash flood.)
- Deluge: a severe flood or overwhelming rush of water.
- The deluge submerged the town in minutes. (A heavy, destructive flood.)
Related Idioms
- "In a flash": very quickly or suddenly.
- The flood came in a flash, leaving no time to escape. (Describes the rapid onset of a flash flood.)
- "Flash in the pan": a brief, sudden success that does not last (not directly related to flooding, but shares the "flash" concept of suddenness).
- His fame was a flash in the pan, unlike the lasting damage of a flash flood. (A short-lived phenomenon.)