However, all floods are not alike. Some floods develop gradually, sometimes over a period of days. But flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes and without any visible signs of rain . Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris and can sweep away most things in its path. Overland flooding occurs outside a defined river or stream, such as when a levee is breached, but still can be destructive. Flooding can also occur when a dam breaks, producing effects similar to flash floods. Issued by FEMA, these maps show special hazard areas, including the 100-year floodplain. They also show flood insurance risk zones and other flood-related information applicable to a community.

For information about Special Flood Hazard Areas in this report, contact the: Federal Emergency Management Agency, (800)621-FEMA(3362) or http://www.fema.gov/