While rare, the NWS says a flash flood emergency alert means flooding conditions are so severe that they pose a major threat to life and can cause catastrophic damage. A flash flood emergency may be issued in cases where floodwaters have reached never-before-seen levels, multiple water rescue teams have been dispatched or when a major dam has failed.

Under a flash flood emergency, The Weather Channel says you should not travel unless you're told to evacuate or are already seeking higher ground away from a flooded area.