Flood categories

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-000993",
  "term": "Flood categories",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "term_source": "Flood Categories",
  "definition": "Terms defined for each forecast point which describe or categorize the severity of flood impacts in the corresponding river/stream reach. Each flood category is bounded by an upper and lower stage (see Example 1). The severity of flooding at a given stage is not necessarily the same at all locations along a river reach due to varying channel/bank characteristics or presence of levees on portions of the reach. Therefore, the upper and lower stages for a given flood category are usually associated with water levels corresponding to the most significant flood impacts somewhere in the reach. The flood categories used in the NWS are:\n\n*Minor Flooding* - minimal or no property damage, but possibly some public threat.\n\n*Moderate Flooding* - some inundation of structures and roads near stream. Some evacuations of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations.\n\n*Major Flooding* - extensive inundation of structures and roads. Significant evacuations of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations.\n\n*Record Flooding* - flooding which equals or exceeds the highest stage or discharge at a given site during the period of record keeping.\n\nNote: all three of the lower flood categories (minor, moderate, major) do not necessarily exist for a given forecast point. For example, at the level where a river reaches flood stage, it may be considered moderate flooding. However, at least one of these three flood categories must start at flood stage.",
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/flood-categories/"
}