On the average, flooding claims the lives of about 150 people annually. Many of these victims are caught in their cars. In Maine and New Hampshire, flooding can occur at any time of the year. However, typically, the greatest threat of flooding is in the spring when heavy rains and snowmelt often combine to produce excessive runoff.
Ice jams can also produce flooding during the late winter and early spring.
There are several different types of flood warnings. Here are some definitions. Widespread heavy rain, possibly coupled with snowmelt, is often responsible for this type flooding. Ice jams can also cause the major rivers to flood. Heavy, slow moving, summertime thunderstorms are usually the cause of this type of flooding.