Smaller streams posing biggest flood risk in Midwest
A report says small steams and tributaries in the Midwest are presenting an even bigger threat than their larger and more notable counterparts, leaving local residents at risk.
The Associated Press reported these smaller streams feed some of the nation's largest rivers, and heavy rains that have kept the larger rivers high have also prevented the smaller ones from draining. That traffic jam effect poses a significant concern to nearby homes and businesses, and towns around the Midwest have reported flooded streets and homes. That may have resulted in significant financial loss for those who only have a homeowners insurance policy and not federal flood insurance.
"It's like a football game and baseball game getting out at the same time," University of Iowa engineering professor Witold Krajewski told the AP. "There are all these cars trying to move. It doesn't take long before drivers can't get out of the side streets."
The Midwest is not the only part of the country that's dealt with significant flooding in recent weeks. High water levels shut down commerce along the Mississippi River this spring and threatened homes as far south as Louisiana.
Related Home Insurance Articles:
- Homes destroyed by Nevada wildfire May 23, 2012
- Researchers hope to better understand tornado damage May 22, 2012
- Total costs from Minneapolis tornado reach $80 million May 21, 2012
- Analysis shows more than $2B of insurance claims from Joplin tornado May 18, 2012
- Recovery continues for Michigan tornado victims May 17, 2012
