Flash Flooding

Abstract

Flash flooding is an increasingly dangerous yet widely underestimated hazard, particularly on university campuses where awareness, communication, and preparedness remain limited. This project investigates the causes, impacts, and mitigation challenges of flash flooding at Virginia Tech and proposes a communication-based intervention to improve student safety. Through an in-person interview with Dr. Craig Ramseyer, a Virginia Tech hydroclimatologist and geology professor, and additional discussions with university facilities staff, the group identified major gaps in how flood risks are conveyed to students, especially in frequently affected areas such as the Slusher Tower stairs, Newman Library entrance, and regions along Stroubles Creek. Research demonstrates that climate change, increasing rainfall intensity, and expanding impervious surfaces heighten flash-flood frequency and severity across Virginia and the Appalachian region. Locally, poorly draining campus infrastructure and steep topography compound these risks, leading to recurring property damage, hazardous walking conditions, and sediment transport concerns. Although state and regional agencies provide flood-mitigation programs, including improved drainage mapping, monitoring networks, and hazard-reduction grants, these efforts are not always prioritized for Appalachian communities, and campus-level communication remains insufficient. Our project responds to this gap by developing a series of Instagram posts designed to deliver fast, accessible, research-based flash-flood information to Virginia Tech students. Drawing from findings in risk communication, digital readability and design guidelines, the materials use high-contrast layouts, chunked information, and campus-specific imagery to increase comprehension, retention, and applicability. The group recommends distribution of posts through Virginia Tech Emergency Management's social media during National Flood Safety Awareness Week in March and National Preparedness Month in September. By shifting to a communication-centered strategy, this project provides a realistic, scalable method to raise awareness and reduce vulnerability among students. The completed work demonstrates the importance of transdisciplinary collaboration and shows how targeted messaging can bridge the information gap surrounding flash flooding on campus.