Flooding

In the last 30 years, inland flooding has been responsible for more than half the deaths associated with tropical storms in the United States. Remember that flood conditions can change rapidly and severe flooding can develop in minutes. Flood water levels can be much deeper than they appear. The depth of water may be difficult to assess. Floodwater may carry silt, raw sewage, oil or chemical waste, and therefore sanitize anything that may come in contact with the water before using the item.

Storm Surge - storm surge is simply water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm. While storm surge is always a potential threat, more people have died from inland flooding in the last 30 years.

Storm Tide - the advancing storm surge combines with the normal tides to create the storm tide

SLOSH Model - is one tool used to evaluate the threat from storm surge.
Wave and Current Action - associated with the tide also causes extensive damage. Water weighs approximately 1,700 pounds per cubic yard; extended pounding by frequent waves can demolish any structure not specifically designed to withstand such forces.

What can you do?

• When you hear hurricane, think inland flooding.
• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Keep abreast of road conditions through the news media.
• Move to a safe area before access is cut off by floodwater.
• Do not attempt to cross flowing water. As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle; two feet of water will carry most cars away.
• Develop a flood emergency action plan with your community leaders.
• Obtain Flood Insurance, if you think you need it.
• Determine whether you live in a potential flood zone.

The National Flood Insurance Program - is a pre-disaster flood mitigation and insurance protection program. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) makes federally backed flood insurance available to residents and business owners. National Flood Insurance Program call 1-888-CALL-FLOOD ext. 445 (TDD# 1-800-427-5593).

Relative to Floodplain, Flood Zone and Flood Map – we assist the public as follows:

• Help with whether a site is in or out of the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), as
  shown on the current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Haverhill.
• Provide additional flood insurance data for a site such as the FIRM Zone, Base Flood
  Elevation (BFE) or floodway, if shown on the FIRM.
• Produce copy of Elevation Certificate, if available.
• Additional Flood Map Information can be found via the following links:
1. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) – FloodSmart
2. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
3. Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
• Merrimack River Gauge Data at Haverhill
1. NOAA National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service
2. USGS Station Number 01100693