River flood warning
A river flood warning is issued by the National Weather Service of the United States when forecast points with formal river gaging sites and established flood stages along rivers, where flooding has already been forecast, is imminent or occurring. The National Weather Service defines river flooding as "the inundation of normally dry areas as a result of increased water levels in an established water course." A typical warning will state the forecast point covered by the warning, the current flood stage, the established flood stage, and the expected crest, which is issued by the River Forecast Center . The crest will usually occur at least six-seven hours after the start of the event and the flooding can be caused by heavy rain in the vicinity of the river, melting snow, or ice jams. Example. The following is an example of a River Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service office in Peachtree City, Georgia. Emergency. The first River Flood Emergency was issued by the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, Florida.