Floodway meaning

A floodway is a designated area where excess water is allowed to flow during a flood event to prevent damage to surrounding areas.


Floodway definitions

Word backwards yawdoolf
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division flood-way
Plural The plural of the word "floodway" is "floodways".
Total letters 8
Vogais (2) o,a
Consonants (5) f,l,d,w,y

A floodway is a designated area around a river or stream that is reserved to carry the overflow of water during a flood event. This zone is specifically designed to prevent damage to properties and infrastructure by managing the excess water flow safely.

Importance of Floodway

Having a designated floodway is crucial in managing flood risk in a community. By redirecting the floodwaters to the designated area, the impact on homes, businesses, and public facilities is minimized. This helps in preventing loss of life and property damage during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt.

Floodway Design

The design of a floodway typically involves studying the topography of the area, analyzing historical flood data, and determining the flow rates of the river or stream. Engineers use this information to set the boundaries of the floodway and ensure that it can accommodate the excess water without causing harm to the surrounding areas.

Floodplain vs Floodway

It's important to distinguish between a floodplain and a floodway. While a floodway is the specific channel reserved for floodwaters, a floodplain is the entire area that may be affected by flooding. The floodway is the critical component within the floodplain that directs the water away from structures and people.

Floodway Regulations

In many regions, there are strict regulations governing what can be built within a floodway. These regulations are in place to protect lives and properties from flooding. Structures such as homes, businesses, and other developments are often prohibited in the floodway to ensure the safe passage of floodwaters.

Overall, floodways play a vital role in mitigating the impact of flooding on communities. By strategically planning and designating these areas, authorities can reduce the risks associated with natural disasters and safeguard the well-being of residents.


Floodway Examples

  1. The city council implemented new regulations to protect the floodway area from development.
  2. After heavy rainfall, the river quickly overflowed its banks and flooded the floodway.
  3. A common misconception is that floodways are the same as floodplains, when in fact they serve different purposes.
  4. The floodway designation helped prevent major damage to nearby homes during the storm.
  5. The construction of the floodway channel helped redirect excess water away from populated areas.
  6. The army corps of engineers conducted a study to determine the best location for the floodway project.
  7. The residents living near the floodway were warned to evacuate as the water levels continued to rise.
  8. Environmental groups have been advocating for the protection of floodways to preserve natural habitats.
  9. The floodway map indicated the areas most at risk of flooding during the hurricane season.
  10. Emergency responders were dispatched to the floodway to assist with rescues and evacuations.


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  • Updated 24/04/2024 - 10:09:52