flash flood

noun

: a local flood of short duration generally resulting from heavy rainfall in the immediate vicinity
flash flood verb

Examples of flash flood in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Debby’s torrential rainfall triggered both flash floods and river flooding across the southeastern U.S., especially from Florida to the Carolinas. Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 16 Nov. 2024 Precipitation from hurricanes Debby, Francine, Helene and Milton accounted for about half of all flash flood emergencies issued this year, according to a CNN review. Alexandra Banner, CNN, 25 Oct. 2024 Severe storm damage, flash floods and landslides, along with torrential rains and wind speeds surpassing 135 miles per hour cut off access to safe water, sanitation, health care and education. Sarah Ferguson, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 Plans were made even more complicated by the weather — Northern California had a rare flash flood alert on Nov. 22. Ana Calderone, People.com, 28 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for flash flood 

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flash flood was in 1940

Dictionary Entries Near flash flood

Cite this Entry

“Flash flood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flash%20flood. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on flash flood

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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