Floods are one of the most common hazards in the U.S. For Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, floods impact the State annually and are likely to occur in many jurisdictions. For example, since 1981, 99 of the 102 counties in Illinois have been declared major disaster areas by the President due to flooding.
Not all floods are alike. Some floods develop slowly often times over a period of days. Flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in a matter of minutes and without any visible signs of rain. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud and other debris, sweeping away most things in its path.