Flash flooding is occurring across the United States in ways not seen in decades. According to AccuWeather, flash flood reports in 2025 are 70% higher than the 10-year historical average, marking this as one of the most flood-prone summers in recent memory. What’s behind the surge? Extreme summer heat is fueling slow-moving thunderstorms, which can unleash devastating rainfall in a short period, particularly when storm systems stall over vulnerable terrain or urban landscapes.
Flash Floods from Coast to Coast
Recent weeks have seen catastrophic flooding events across the country, from the South and Midwest to the Northeast:1
- Texas (July 4): A 30-foot wall of water tore through the Hill Country in Central Texas following torrential rain from the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry, killing more than 130 people.
- North Carolina (July 6): The remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal brought 5 to 13 inches of rain in just 12 hours, overwhelming rivers and inundating homes, highways, and entire neighborhoods. Emergency responders conducted dozens of water rescues as flash flooding shut down critical infrastructure.
- Chicago (July 8): Even smaller, isolated storms have had a disproportionately large impact. A thunderstorm dropped 2 to 5 inches of rain in parts of the city, causing significant flooding. The urban landscape, dominated by concrete, left little room for absorption, turning roads into rivers.
- New York City (July 15): A slow-moving thunderstorm dumped 2.07 inches of rain in just one hour over Central Park—the second-wettest hour ever recorded in the city. Subway stations flooded, traffic stalled, and emergency services responded to widespread water-related incidents across all five boroughs.
These events, which occur just days apart, demonstrate that flooding is no longer a seasonal or regional threat. It’s a nationwide, year-round concern.
Risk Mitigation for Commercial Properties
With the surge of floods hitting all types of regions across the country, including urban areas, it’s essential for businesses to mitigate the risk of loss. For owners and managers of commercial buildings, apartment complexes, and senior living facilities, flash flooding poses not only a property risk but also a life safety concern.
Proactive preparation can minimize damage, reduce recovery costs, and safeguard residents, staff, and tenants.
- Conduct a Flood Risk Assessment: Evaluate your property’s vulnerability to flash flooding. Look at FEMA flood maps, local terrain, storm drain locations, and past flood incidents. Even properties outside high-risk zones may be susceptible due to poor drainage or nearby construction.
- Install or Upgrade Drainage Systems: Ensure gutters, downspouts, and storm drains are cleared and functioning. For high-risk areas, consider installing backflow preventers, sump pumps, and retention basins to redirect water safely away from buildings.
- Harden Ground-Level Structures: Waterproof basement areas and seal foundation cracks. Consider using flood-resistant materials for ground-floor walls, flooring, and electrical systems. Elevate electrical panels, water heaters, and generators above expected flood levels.
- Develop and Practice Emergency Protocols: Create a flood disaster response plan that includes evacuation routes, shut-off procedures for gas and electricity, and communication chains. In senior living environments, factor in mobility challenges and ensure staff are trained to assist residents quickly and safely.
- Protect Critical Records and Equipment: Elevate IT equipment and store paper records in waterproof containers or off-site. For habitational properties, ensure leases, maintenance records, and insurance documents are digitally backed up and accessible remotely.
- Review and Strengthen Insurance Coverage: Ensure your insurance program includes adequate flood protection, even if you’re outside an official floodplain. Many standard policies exclude coverage for flood damage, so additional protection may be necessary through private insurers or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Flash flooding is becoming more intense, more frequent, and less predictable—especially during the summer months when storm systems stall and rainfalls intensify. For commercial property owners and managers, this means rethinking flood risk not as a distant possibility, but as a critical operational threat. By taking preventive steps, updating emergency plans, and securing comprehensive insurance coverage, businesses can reduce the impact of the next flash flood—because the data shows, it’s not a matter of if, but when.
About Seneca Insurance Company
Seneca Insurance Companies are known for having a broad appetite for writing property risks, including commercial buildings, habitational, and senior living facilities. We offer admitted and non-admitted ISO-based policies.
1The New York Times
