TYLER, TX — It was a popular question this morning as "Areal" Flood Warnings went in place across East Texas. Just what is an "Areal" Flood Warning? What does "Areal" mean? Is it a word? Is it a misspelling? Well, it is a word, it isn't a misspelling, and here's what it means!
Definition:
Areal is the adjective version of the noun area. It means of or pertaining to an area. The National Weather Service uses this term to refer to a flood warning that will cover a broad area but isn't a flash flood or a flood related to a body of water. It is important to know the difference between the major flood alerts you are likely to see here in East Texas, so we listed them below.
Flood Advisory:
Minor, non-life/property threatening, flooding is or will be occurring. This flooding will be mainly in low lying areas.
Areal Flood Warning:
Life/Property threatening flooding is or will be occurring. Water rises gradually over a prolonged period. (6 hours or more.)
Flash Flood Warning:
Life/Property threatening flooding is or will be occurring. Water rises rapidly and violently over a short-term period of time. (6 hours or less.)
Flood Warning:
Flooding is occurring or will occur along a river or waterway. Water will rise above, or stay elevated above, flood stage for this waterway. This will likely be from continued rainfall in the region that is feeding the waterway. These warnings, and high water levels, can stay in place for days or even weeks after the rainfall that caused them has moved on.
Regardless of the type of flood warning, you should take them all seriously. Always remember, never drive through flooded roadways and head all evacuation orders. When flooding strikes, just like with all severe weather, the CBS 19 Weather Team will have you covered!
-- Meteorologist Michael Behrens
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