These hydrograph are from some of the major rivers
that experienced flooding during Hurricane Florence, and most of these
river systems had just finished receding from the floodwaters that fell
during September. While the rainfall was not as extensive, the amount of
rainfall from Hurricane Michael caused the rapid rise of river systems
across portions of the Carolinas, creating frayed nerves for those who were
still recovering from the floodwaters associated with Florence.
The color code helps identify the intensity of flooding or potential
flooding along the river:
- Near Flood Stage (yellow) - flooding becomes a
concern. River/stream is approaching or is forecast to approach the
gage height (flood stage) where flooding is defined to begin. Flood
stage is an established gage height for a given location at which a
rise in water surface level begins to create a hazard to lives,
property, or commerce.
- Minor Flooding (orange) - minimal or no property
damage, but possibly some public threat.
- Moderate Flooding (red) - some inundation of
structures and roads near the stream/river. Some evacuations of people
and/or transfer of property to higher elevations.
- Major Flooding (violet) - extensive inundation of
structures and roads. Significant evacuations of people and/or transfer
of property to higher elevations.