The National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, monitors hurricanes and broadcasts information needed to track storms. B. Inland and Coastal Flooding People who live inland from the coast usually feel that they will not be affected by an approaching hurricane. It is true that as a hurricane moves inland, its wind forces weaken rapidly. Rainfall from a hurricane can be measured in tens of inches. In addition, seasonal weather patterns can mean heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding for low lying areas or areas bordering inland waterways or bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and streams.
Coastal areas are subject to problem flooding when storms or heavy rain showers occur at high tide.
Hurricanes and tropical storms provide the greatest threat to low lying areas, both coastal and inland. Another flood problem involves storm water runoff that occurs in many locations. This problem has recently become more critical because of increasing development in areas subject to flash flooding. The lack of home owners and businesses carrying flood insurance can result in large, uninsured losses due to rising water. Hurricanes also spawn tornadoes.