Flood alerts are categorised based on urgency and severity. A Flood Watch indicates conditions favourable for flooding within 48 hours, urging residents to stay prepared. A Flood Advisory signals minor flooding, which may cause inconvenience but is not life-threatening. A Flood Warning means flooding is imminent or occurring, often due to rising rivers or streams. The most critical alert is a Flash Flood Warning, issued when rapid, life-threatening flooding is imminent, typically within six hours of heavy rain or infrastructure failure.