KCEN Channel 6 has been displaying an "areal flood watch" because of heavy rain in Central Texas.
No, we did not misspell it. Thanks for the calls, but trust us on this one y'all.
According to the National Weather Service, an areal flood is more gradual than a flash flood, and occurs because of "prolonged and persistent moderate to heavy rainfall." Small streams, creeks and flood prone areas experience water build up slowly during an areal flood.
This flooding normally happens more than six hours after the rainfall starts, and covers a large area. Even though it's slower than flash flooding, the NWS said it can still be a threat to life and property.
On the other hand, flash flood warnings are issued for flooding that happens within six hours of heavy or intense rain, the NWS said. Small creeks and streams quickly rise out of their banks, and the flooding develops very quickly and is a significant threat to life and property, the NWS said.