Immediate Information for Immediate Action
When dangerous flooding and flash flooding is in the forecast, getting accurate local flood information could be crucial to your safety. Real-time flood risk tools (or near real-time tools) are available from both local and national sources. These tools can give you life-saving information for making decisions about safety in a flood emergency.
What to Do Right Now
Check river/creek conditions now for your area and for anywhere you’re traveling. Using the flood risk tools, you can enter your city, river, or address to retrieve flooding information. If available, sign up for text/email/mobile alerts. These alerts offer life-saving critical updates that are key for overnight or while you are on the move. Bookmark your favorite flood alert tools and share them with friends, neighbors, or employees. Important tips:
- Check local data first. Go to your city, town, or county website to find any local flood dashboards (search for “flood map,” “alert,” or “dashboard” on the site) and sign up for emergency text/email alerts. If your locality offers a specific dashboard or real-time map, this may be the fastest and most accurate resource for rising water levels, street closures, creek overflows, or local evacuation alerts.
- Use national tools for additional information. If no local real-time flood risk tools or alerts are available, use one or more of the trusted national tools in the table below for flood status and forecasts in your area. National tools can also serve as a backup if local services become unavailable.
- Bookmark your preferred resources. Keep your information readily available and share it with others who may need urgent information.
Stay alert, stay safe, act early, and spread the word, so no one gets caught off guard by fast-moving water.
For more advanced guidance and a full directory of flood risk tools (including how to find and evaluate your local platform), see our Flood Resource Center.
Real-Time Flood Risk Tools
This table summarizes resources that offer real-time flood risks tools ( or near real-time). Check your local resources first, and consult national resources for additional information. This table is current as of February 2026. If you find a broken link or new resources to add, please contact us.| Tool | What It Does / How to Use | Alerts & Mobile Options | Quick Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local City/County Flood Map or Alert System (Check This First) | Many localities offer dedicated flood dashboards, evacuation maps, or hyper-local warning feeds (for example, the Roanoke, VA real-time flood tool). | Email/SMS signups and mobile alerting are common; some offer push alerts or social feeds. | Visit the locality emergency management, stormwater, or floodplain department’s website; search “[YOUR CITY] flood dashboard” or call the local non-emergency number for resources. |
| USGS National Water Dashboard | See live river, rainfall, and flood status nationwide (by city/rural area). | USGS WaterAlert | User Guide |
| Noational Water Prediction Service (NOAA) | Real-time and forecasted local river and creek flooding (replaces AHPS). | NOAA/NWS weather apps, state apps, web push | PDF Quick Guide |
| Weather Underground WonderMap (Download App) | Live flood overlays, radar, user weather/flood reports. | Push and email alerts via WU app | WU Help |
| Google FloodHub | Localized flood threat and model forecasts. | Android push alerts, mobile web | FloodHub Help |
