Flash flooding is one of the most dangerous and rapidly developing weather hazards in the United States, particularly in northeastern Indiana. It occurs when heavy rainfall exceeds the ground's ability to absorb water or exceeds the capacity of drainage systems. Unlike traditional river flooding, flash floods can form within minutes of a storm. In urban areas such as Fort Wayne, paved roads, parking lots and buildings limit how much water can be absorbed into the ground. The region is within the watershed of the St. Joseph River and the St.-Marys River, which meet in downtown Fort Wayne to form the Maumee River. Local officials have implemented several stormwater improvement projects in recent years aimed at reducing flood risks in neighborhoods prone to repeated flooding. The National Weather Service advises residents to monitor weather alerts and avoid driving through flooded roads.