Heavy Rains and Flooding

Floods are the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters, and flash floods are the most dangerous kinds of floods because they combine the destructive power of a flood with incredible speed and unpredictability.

Flash floods are often the result of heavy rainfall from slow moving thunderstorms, or new thunderstorms developing and moving over the same area, or from the rain of hurricanes or tropical storms concentrated over one area.

Rapidly rising water creating a flash flood may occur with little warning. Every year, more deaths are caused by flooding than from any other severe-weather-related hazard. Why? The main reason is that people underestimate the force and power of water as they attempt to cross a flooded area. Did you know that as little as 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet or cause you to loose control of your car? And just 2 feet of water can cause a car, even a big SUV to be swept off a road or bridge. When cars are swept downstream into fast moving water, often the people inside them drown.

Tragically, emergency responders are often injured or killed as they attempt to rescue individuals trapped by flooding. But many of these deaths are preventable. Whether you are driving or walking, if you come to a flooded road, follow this simple rule: Turn around, don’t drown. Don’t take a chance and cross a flooded road or bridge because you can’t determine the depth of the water or the condition of the road or bridge. Flash, and the NWS, have some simple guidelines to help you and your family stay safe in flooding situations.

1. Do not camp or park your vehicle along rivers, streams or washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
2. If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Stay away from areas subject to flooding like low spots, valleys, canyons or washes.
3. Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast.
4. Never try to cross flowing streams.
5. Never let your children play near flooded streams, storm drains, bayous, roads, rivers or creeks.
6. Never drive through flooded roadways. Roadbeds or bridges may be washed out under floodwaters.
7. Never drive around the barriers that warn you the road is flooded.
8. Be especially cautious at night, when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
9. Always remember: If you are in doubt, Turn around, Don’t drown.

For more information about protecting your home from disaster, visit www.flash.org today.