Watches, Warnings & Advisories

Advisories, Watches, and Warnings describe changing flooding and heavy precipitation weather conditions. By learning these terms, you can understand how an approaching storm may impact you and what actions to take.

Flash Flood Warning:

Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain. Low water crossings and roads will likely be flooded and closed across the warning area.

Flood Warning:

Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring along a specific large creek or river.

Flood Watch be prepared:

A flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Flood Advisory be aware:

A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause inconvenience, travel delays, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property may flood.

[logos on screen for the San Antonio Office of Emergency Management and Deaf Link ]