Ninety percent of all natural disasters in the United States involve flooding. Homeowner's insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Ask your insurance agent about flood insurance and the National Flood Insurance Program. Flash floods can occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall, a dam or levee failure, or a sudden release of water held by an ice jam. Floating debris or ice can accumulate at a natural or man-made obstruction and restrict the flow of water.
Water held back by the ice or debris jam can cause flooding upstream.
Subsequent flash flooding can occur downstream if the obstruction should suddenly release. Many of the people killed in the Rapid City flood were spectators. People can be swept away incredibly easily from slippery or undercut banks or trees. Parents need to set the example and get this message to their children. During the fall and spring months, storm systems in Upper Michigan tend to be stronger due to contrasts in air masses crossing the Great Lakes region.