Probability of Dying in a Flood

Flooding is the most common and widespread natural disaster in the United States, with lifetime odds of dying in a flood at approximately 1 in 11,684. An average of about 145 people die from flooding in the US each year, according to NWS data. Over half of flood fatalities involve vehicles driven into floodwater.

Flash floods are the deadliest type, developing within minutes to hours of heavy rainfall. Just six inches of moving water can knock a person down, and two feet of water can float a car. Risk is not limited to floodplains; urban areas are increasingly vulnerable due to impervious surfaces and overwhelmed drainage systems.

The most important safety rule is "Turn Around, Don't Drown": never walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Other precautions include purchasing flood insurance (not included in standard homeowner policies), knowing your flood risk zone, signing up for local alerts, having an evacuation plan, and moving to higher ground when flooding threatens. Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events.