{"id":6893,"date":"2025-05-12T09:25:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-12T13:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/?p=6893"},"modified":"2025-07-16T15:11:05","modified_gmt":"2025-07-16T19:11:05","slug":"how-are-floods-measured","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/en\/resources\/how-are-floods-measured\/","title":{"rendered":"How Are Floods Measured? Key Metrics &amp; Tools Explained\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/image.jpg\" alt=\"Infographic (main featured image) on &quot;How are floods measured&quot;\" class=\"wp-image-6894\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/image.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/image-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/image-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/image-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/image-200x133.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Are Floods Measured: <strong>Key Points<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stream gauges are the main instruments used to measure floods, recording real-time water levels, also known as stream or river stage&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Advanced technology, like radar sensors, remote weather stations, and satellite imaging enhance accuracy and early detection&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Flood stages (Action, Minor, Moderate, Major) help define severity and trigger <a href=\"https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/en\/residential-services\/emergency-response\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">emergency response<\/a> actions&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Accurate flood data supports quicker disaster response, better evacuation planning, and more reliable damage assessments&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Floods are one of the most common and devastating natural disasters in the United States &#8211; causing more than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncei.noaa.gov\/access\/billions\/time-series\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">$20 billion<\/a> in property damage annually.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But how do we measure them? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And how can this information help you protect your property and plan your response?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Knowing how floods are measured helps you make informed decisions, respond faster during emergencies, and understand the level of risk.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide breaks down:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How floods are measured using stream gauges, sensors, and satellite data&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The tools and technologies used to track rising water levels and flood intensity&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Why accurate measurement matters for emergency response and insurance claims&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"separators-custom-box  \"  >\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\t            <div class=\"cta_title\"\n\t\t\t\t            >Get flood damage cleanup with BELFOR.<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/en\/contact\/\"\n\t\t\t\t                style=\"background-color:;\"\n               class=\"c-btn -normal -inverted has-icon icon-right \"\n            >\n                <div class=\"label-up\"\n                                >\n                    <span class=\"c-btn__txt\">Get in touch<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"c-btn__ico\"><svg width=\"30\" height=\"30\" class=\"icon icon-lib-icon-arrow4 \" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\"><use xlink:href=\"#lib-icon-arrow4\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"label-up\">\n                    <span class=\"c-btn__txt\">Get in touch<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"c-btn__ico\"><svg width=\"30\" height=\"30\" class=\"icon icon-lib-icon-arrow4 \" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\"><use xlink:href=\"#lib-icon-arrow4\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/a>\n\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Metrics for Flood Measurement&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The primary method for measuring floods is stream stage, which is the height of the water surface in a river or stream relative to a fixed point.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This measurement is taken using stream gauges &#8211; permanent devices installed along rivers and waterways by agencies like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usgs.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To measure floods accurately, professionals look at several key indicators:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Water height (stage): <\/strong>The vertical distance from a fixed reference point to the surface of the water. When this stage exceeds certain thresholds, a flood warning is issued.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Flow rate (discharge): <\/strong>Measured in cubic feet per second (cfs), this calculates how fast and how much water is moving through a river or stream.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Flood stage thresholds:<\/strong> Predefined limits that indicate when water levels will begin to overflow banks and threaten property or lives.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Rainfall intensity and accumulation:<\/strong> Meteorological data is used to predict flash floods or <strong>extended flooding based on how much rain falls over time.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Geographic data: <\/strong>Satellite imaging and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) help map flooded areas in real time.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro tip: <\/strong>Water levels can rise rapidly during storms. Monitoring real-time flood gauges near your property can help you act faster and reduce long-term damage&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tools and Technologies Used to Measure Floods&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Measuring floods accurately requires more than just a ruler at a riverbank.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today\u2019s experts rely on a range of high-tech tools and proven field methods.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Stream Gauges (Stage Sensors)&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Stream gauges are installed along rivers and streams to measure the water level or \u201cstage.\u201d These gauges provide real-time data to help emergency services and communities track rising floodwaters and issue alerts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> Keep an eye on your local USGS stream gauge station data &#8211; available online in real time &#8211; to monitor rising water levels near your home or business.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Rain Gauges and Radar Systems&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Rain gauges record the amount of precipitation in each area, while <a href=\"https:\/\/radar.weather.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Doppler radar<\/a> tracks the movement and intensity of storms.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Together, they provide early warnings for flash floods and help meteorologists anticipate where flooding may occur.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro tip: <\/strong>Use weather apps that integrate Doppler radar and rainfall alerts so you can react quickly to flash flood warnings in your area.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Satellite Remote Sensing&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Satellites equipped with specialized sensors capture flood extents and water movement from space.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These images help emergency teams understand the full scale of a flood &#8211; especially in remote or inaccessible areas.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro tip: <\/strong>Satellite data is especially valuable after major disasters. It helps agencies plan road access, resource delivery, and response efforts when the ground is still inaccessible.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. LiDAR and Aerial Mapping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/oceanservice.noaa.gov\/facts\/lidar.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)<\/a> uses lasers from aircraft or drones to create detailed 3D maps of terrain and water levels. This technology is crucial for identifying flood-prone areas and predicting how water will flow during an event.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> If your property is in a flood-prone zone, check with your local municipality to see if LiDAR-based flood maps are available &#8211; they offer more accurate insight than traditional floodplain maps.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Flood Forecasting Models&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Advanced computer models simulate weather patterns, river levels, and land conditions to predict where floods might occur and how severe they could be. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Agencies use these forecasts to issue early warnings and guide emergency response.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro tip<\/strong>: FEMA and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.weather.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">National Weather Service<\/a> use predictive flood models to issue evacuation guidance &#8211; pay attention to these alerts even if flooding hasn\u2019t started yet.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. High-Water Marks&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>High-water marks are physical signs left on buildings, trees, or infrastructure after a flood. These visual indicators help assess the flood\u2019s severity and can be used in future floodplain planning.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro tip: <\/strong>After a flood event, take photos of high-water marks in and around your property &#8211; this can help with insurance claims and future mitigation planning.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how_are_foods_measured_stream_gauge.jpg\" alt=\"Infographics on &quot;Flash flood warning&quot;\" class=\"wp-image-6901\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how_are_foods_measured_stream_gauge.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how_are_foods_measured_stream_gauge-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how_are_foods_measured_stream_gauge-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how_are_foods_measured_stream_gauge-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how_are_foods_measured_stream_gauge-200x133.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Even a small rise in stream stage &#8211; just a few inches &#8211; can mean a dramatic increase in flow volume<\/em>\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding Flood Stages and Rating Scales&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Flooding doesn\u2019t happen all at once &#8211; it\u2019s tracked in stages that help officials, homeowners, and responders understand the level of risk and respond appropriately.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are the Stages of a Flood? (Action, Minor, Moderate, Major)&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Flood stages refer to specific water levels at a river gauge that signal escalating risk:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Action stage:<\/strong> The water level is elevated but not yet flooding &#8211; a warning for communities to monitor conditions and prepare.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Minor flood stage:<\/strong> Flooding begins, usually covering low-lying areas, roads, or farmlands with minimal structural damage.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Moderate flood stage: <\/strong>Water begins to impact structures and roads and may require evacuations in vulnerable areas.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Major flood stage: <\/strong>Widespread flooding occurs, with significant damage to infrastructure and homes and possible threats to life.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> If your home is in a flood-prone area, know your local flood stage thresholds and sign up for real-time alerts from the National Weather Service.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How the Flood Severity Index Works&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Flood Severity Index classifies flood levels at specific river gauges based on historical data and community impact.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s not a one-size-fits-all system, it\u2019s tailored to each location:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The index considers how high water must rise to cause meaningful disruption in a specific area.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It aligns with flood stages (Minor, Moderate, Major) but adds context to how \u201csevere\u201d the flooding is compared to past events. This up-and-coming tracking system is gaining traction globally as a more precise way to communicate flood risk, especially as extreme weather becomes more common.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro tip<\/strong>: Use the NWS Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.weather.gov\/serfc\/ahps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AHPS<\/a>) online to track your local river gauge and flood severity ratings.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Flash Flood Warnings vs. Flood Warnings vs. Aerial Flood Warnings&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While they sound similar, these alerts indicate very different types of flood risk:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Flood warning: <\/strong>Issued when flooding is imminent or already happening in known flood zones (like rivers or streams). There\u2019s usually time to act.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Flash flood warning: <\/strong>Issued when rapid-onset flooding is occurring or expected &#8211; typically due to intense rainfall, dam failure, or sudden water release.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Aerial flood warning<\/strong>: A term for widespread, gradual flooding in low-lying areas, often due to prolonged rainfall or saturated ground. Unlike flash floods, these develop over hours or days but can still pose serious risks to property and travel.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro tip: <\/strong>If you receive a flash flood warning, move to higher ground immediately &#8211; do not wait until you can see rising water.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how_are_floods_measured_stat.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6899\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how_are_floods_measured_stat.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how_are_floods_measured_stat-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how_are_floods_measured_stat-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how_are_floods_measured_stat-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how_are_floods_measured_stat-200x133.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>What makes flash floods especially dangerous is their speed and unpredictability<\/em>&nbsp;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Accurate Flood Measurement Matters for Safety and Recovery&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Accurate flood measurement isn\u2019t just about data &#8211; it\u2019s about saving lives, protecting property, and accelerating recovery.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Accurate flood measurement is important because:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Flood warnings save lives: <\/strong>With precise flood measurement tools, officials can issue timely evacuation orders and flood alerts. According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fema.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FEMA<\/a>, just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult, while 12 inches can carry away a small car. Accurate measurements help communities avoid these dangers.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Better resource deployment: <\/strong>When responders know exactly where water levels are rising, they can prioritize sandbagging efforts, reroute traffic, and set up temporary shelters before conditions worsen.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Insurance and documentation:<\/strong> Verified flood data supports insurance claims and government aid applications. This information becomes essential when documenting property damage or proving a flood\u2019s extent to secure funding or repairs.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Restoration and mitigation: <\/strong>For restoration teams, flood data guides safe entry, moisture mapping, and long-term remediation. It ensures the right plan is in place &#8211; from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/en\/commercial-services\/water-removal-services\/\">water extraction<\/a> to structural drying and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/en\/residential-services\/mold-damage-services\/\">mold damage<\/a> prevention.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> After a flood event, request official flood stage reports or high-water mark records from local authorities. These documents can streamline your insurance claim and support professional cleanup and repairs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"separators-custom-box  \"  >\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\t            <div class=\"cta_title\"\n\t\t\t\t            >Protect your home with BELFOR<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/en\/contact\/\"\n\t\t\t\t                style=\"background-color:;\"\n               class=\"c-btn -normal -inverted has-icon icon-right \"\n            >\n                <div class=\"label-up\"\n                                >\n                    <span class=\"c-btn__txt\">Get in touch<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"c-btn__ico\"><svg width=\"30\" height=\"30\" class=\"icon icon-lib-icon-arrow4 \" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\"><use xlink:href=\"#lib-icon-arrow4\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"label-up\">\n                    <span class=\"c-btn__txt\">Get in touch<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"c-btn__ico\"><svg width=\"30\" height=\"30\" class=\"icon icon-lib-icon-arrow4 \" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\"><use xlink:href=\"#lib-icon-arrow4\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/a>\n\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Flood Measurement: Key Takeaways&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Floods are measured using stage height (how high water rises), discharge rate (how fast it flows), and other real-time data points.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stream gauges and remote sensors are essential tools for monitoring changing conditions and issuing flood warnings.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/repository.library.noaa.gov\/view\/noaa\/32634\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Flood Severity Index<\/a> categorizes floods by impact, helping responders and property owners understand what\u2019s at stake.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Timely and accurate measurements reduce property damage, support insurance claims, and improve recovery timelines.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Partnering with BELFOR means working with a team that understands the data &#8211; and knows exactly how to act on it to protect your property.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Partner With BELFOR for Expert Flood Damage Assessment and Recovery&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When floodwaters strike, every second counts. At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/en\/\">BELFOR<\/a>, we move fast to protect what matters most &#8211; your safety, your property, and your peace of mind.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our teams are trained to assess <a href=\"https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/en\/residential-services\/flood-damage-cleanup\/\">flood damage<\/a> with precision and respond with industry-leading restoration solutions, including specialties such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/en\/services\/contents-restoration-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">contents restoration<\/a> solutions. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you choose BELFOR, you can count on:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Accurate flood damage assessments:<\/strong> We use advanced tools to detect moisture, structural damage, and hidden risks &#8211; ensuring no issue goes unnoticed.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Rapid mitigation and restoration:<\/strong> From water extraction to structural drying and repairs, we act fast to stop further damage and begin the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/en\/residential-services\/water-damage-and-cleanup-repair-services\/\">water damage restoration<\/a> process.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Certified professionals<\/strong>: Our technicians follow IICRC, EPA, and all local, federal, and industry standards to restore your home or business safely and thoroughly.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Support with insurance claims:<\/strong> We document every step of the damage and recovery process to help streamline communication with your insurance provider.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>24\/7 response:<\/strong> Flooding doesn\u2019t follow a schedule and neither do we. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/en\/residential-services\/emergency-response\/\">emergency services<\/a> are on call around the clock.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Protect your property and restore peace of mind. Contact BELFOR today to schedule your professional flood damage assessment. We\u2019re here and ready to help, whenever you need us.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"separators-custom-box  \"  >\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\t            <div class=\"cta_title\"\n\t\t\t\t            >Restore your space without worry.<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/en\/contact\/\"\n\t\t\t\t                style=\"background-color:;\"\n               class=\"c-btn -normal -inverted has-icon icon-right \"\n            >\n                <div class=\"label-up\"\n                                >\n                    <span class=\"c-btn__txt\">Contact BELFOR<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"c-btn__ico\"><svg width=\"30\" height=\"30\" class=\"icon icon-lib-icon-arrow4 \" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\"><use xlink:href=\"#lib-icon-arrow4\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"label-up\">\n                    <span class=\"c-btn__txt\">Contact BELFOR<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"c-btn__ico\"><svg width=\"30\" height=\"30\" class=\"icon icon-lib-icon-arrow4 \" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\"><use xlink:href=\"#lib-icon-arrow4\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/a>\n\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How Are Floods Measured: Key Points&nbsp; Floods are one of the most common and devastating natural disasters in the United States &#8211; causing more than $20 billion in property damage annually.\u00a0\u00a0 But how do we measure them? And how can this information help you protect your property and plan your response?\u00a0 Knowing how floods are&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":6897,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6893","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How Are Floods Measured: Key Metrics &amp; Tools Explained\u00a0<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover how floods are measured using gauges, sensors, and ratings to help protect property, guide emergency response, and assess damage.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/en\/resources\/how-are-floods-measured\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How Are Floods Measured: Key Metrics &amp; Tools Explained\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover how floods are measured using gauges, sensors, and ratings to help protect property, guide emergency response, and assess damage.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/en\/resources\/how-are-floods-measured\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BELFOR Property Restoration - USA\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-05-12T13:25:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-07-16T19:11:05+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.belfor.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/how_are_floods_measured_hero_image.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"900\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"kristian\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"kristian\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.belfor.com\\\/us\\\/en\\\/resources\\\/how-are-floods-measured\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.belfor.com\\\/us\\\/en\\\/resources\\\/how-are-floods-measured\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"kristian\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.belfor.com\\\/us\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/a0b9209be11d6215a19e2802e0860e49\"},\"headline\":\"How Are Floods Measured? 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