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.
Severe thunderstorms can occur in all seasons of the year and may be accompanied by strong wind gusts, hail, flooding, and frequent lightning strikes. Florida leads the nation with the number of lightning fatalities. All of these storms can cause loss of life, and damage or destroy buildings and vehicles. This type of violent weather will knock down trees and power lines, which can cause power outages and interrupt telephone communications. Emergency Severe winter weather - freezing rain, sleet, or snow, as well as below freezing temperatures, can have a dramatic impact in a temperate area that is not equipped to deal with such unusual weather and with such relatively low temperatures.