Flood Watch - high flow or overflow of water from a river is possible in the given time period. It can also apply to heavy runoff or drainage of water into low-lying areas. These watches are generally issued for flooding that is expected to occur at least 6 hours after heavy rains have ended.

Flood Warning - flooding is actually occurring or is imminent in the warning area.

Flash Flood Watch - flash flooding is possible in or close to the watch area. Flash Flood Watches are generally issued for flooding that is expected to occur within 6 hours after heavy rains have ended.

Flash Flood Warning - flash flooding is actually occurring or is imminent in the warning area. It can be issued as a result of torrential rains, a dam failure, or ice jam.

If you live near the ocean, you should also be aware of the following alerts:

Coastal Flood Watch - the possibility exists for the inundation of land areas along the coast within the next 12 to 36 hours.

Coastal Flood Warning - land areas along the coast are expected to become, or have become, inundated by sea water above the typical tide action.