flash flood

noun

: a local flood of short duration generally resulting from heavy rainfall in the immediate vicinity
flash flood verb

Examples of flash flood in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 Mar. 2025 The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways. — Ca Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 20 Mar. 2025 But avalanches, landslides and calamitous flash floods are just the most dramatic consequences of climate change in the Peruvian Andes. — Simeon Tegel, NPR, 17 Mar. 2025 The severe weather threats are moving eastward overnight, with Georgia bracing for heavy rainfall, flash floods, damaging wind gusts and quickly developing tornadoes. — Phil Helsel, NBC News, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flash flood

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flash flood was in 1940

Rhymes for flash flood

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Browse Nearby Words

flash factor
flash flood
flash-forward
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Cite this Entry

“Flash flood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flash%20flood. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flash flood

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