Flash floods are fast, dangerous, and often arrive with little warning. Now, as of July 2025, they are also record-setting.
The National Weather Service has issued almost 4,000 flash flood warnings so far in 2025, more than in any year since 1986. At this pace, 2025 is on track to double the national average for flash flood warnings in a single year.
This surge in activity reinforces the urgent need for better forecasting, earlier warnings, and clearer communication. A striking 83% of these warnings have been issued during high-intensity rainfall events lasting less than three hours, highlighting how quickly dangerous conditions can develop. At Baron Weather, we help turn fast-evolving flood threats into actionable insights, giving agencies, broadcasters, and communities the lead time they need to respond.
Turning Data Into Actionable Decisions
Baron’s technology is designed to support every stage of the flash flood response, from forecasting and monitoring to warning and communication:
- Forecast Risk: The Baron Flash Flood Risk highlights areas of concern using advanced modeling, rainfall predictions, and terrain-based analysis from the current time to 2 hours into the future
- Monitor in Real Time: Live radar, rainfall rates, and automated alerting keep you ahead of fast-changing conditions.
- Communicate with Confidence: Flash flood warning alerts provide critical lead time by detecting fast-developing hazards. These warnings and alerts are integrated directly into platforms like Baron Threat Net, Weather Logic, and ArcGIS Weather Layers, enabling public safety agencies and media outlets to be notified, act quickly, and communicate with confidence.
- Visualize the Threat: Tools like Baron Lynx help you clearly convey the flood threat—whether you’re on screen, in the field, or inside an emergency operations center.
February Kentucky Floods
A prolonged heavy rain event in mid-February brought widespread flooding to Kentucky, with rainfall totals ranging from 2 to over 6 inches—especially in the southwest and central parts of the state. Most of the rain fell between February 14–15, leading to at least a dozen river crests ranking among the top five ever recorded.
The National Weather Service issued 47 Flash Flood Warnings and 30 Flood Warnings, along with severe thunderstorm and tornado alerts. The Weather Prediction Center also issued a rare High Risk for Excessive Rainfall. The impacts were significant, with more than 300 roads closed, 40,000+ people losing power, and over 1,000 water rescues conducted. Evacuations included a hospital, a nursing home, and an apartment complex. The NWS Forecast Office in Jackson, KY, was even forced to shelter in place when floodwaters blocked all exit routes. The flooding was declared a disaster by FEMA, and the state of emergency was declared to facilitate federal disaster aid and recovery efforts.
Understanding the Rising Trend of Flash Floods
Fueled by extreme weather events, urban development, and heavy rainfall, flash floods are becoming an increasing concern for both urban and rural areas. States like Texas, Florida, Arizona, and California have been hit the hardest, with frequent warnings triggered by tropical systems, monsoon storms, and burn scar runoff. These trends highlight a clear shift towards more localized, short-term flood threats - the kind Baron specializes in detecting and visualizing with our advanced forecasting and alerting tools.
The next heavy rainfall event isn’t an if, but when and where. That’s why the need for reliable forecasting, real-time alerts, and decision-ready data has never been greater. With the right tools in place, flash flood risks don’t have to become flash flood disasters. Connect with our experts today to learn more!
