Today is day two of severe weather awareness week. Our topic of
discussion today is flash flooding.
Flash flooding is a result of sudden... heavy rainfall
commonly produced from slow-moving intense thunderstorms.
Flash floods become raging torrents of water which rip
Through Creek beds... city streets... and areas of poor
drainage... sweeping away everything before them.
Significant flash flooding has occurred across parts of the
southeastern states over the last few years. Some examples include
flash flooding near Atlanta in August 2009 and in Nashville in may
2010. In each of these cases the rainfall rates overwhelmed the drainage
systems and flooding beyond the experience of local residents occurred.
These floods resulted in numerous fatalities... a large portion of which
were elderly people.
In September 2011... the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee produced rainfall
amounts from 10 to 13 inches across central Mississippi. This caused
extensive flooding of creeks and streams... but fortunately no loss
of life.
Most deaths from flash flooding occur when vehicle operators
drive their automobiles into flood waters of unknown depths only
to find the water is deeper than they thought. At this point... the
motor becomes inundated then stalls and the vehicle is soon swept
away... taking the passengers with it. A simple rule to remember is
turn around don't drown.
A Flash Flood Watch means it is possible that heavy rains will
cause flash flooding in the specified area. Stay alert to the
weather... and think about what you would do if water begins to rise
or if you receive a warning. Watch for development of heavy rain.
A Flash Flood Warning means flash flooding is occurring or
imminent in the specified area. Move to higher... safe ground
immediately!
A flash flood emergency means that extremely heavy rainfall has already
occurred... will continue to occur... and that emergency officials are
reporting life-threatening rises in water that are resulting in water
rescues and or evacuations.
Below are some flash flood safety rules.
If you are driving... look ahead and watch for flooding at Highway
dips... bridges... and low areas. Do not try to drive across water-
filled areas of unknown depth.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize
flood dangers. Heavy rain events frequently and notoriously
occur at night.
Do not Camp or park your vehicle along streams or drainage areas
particularly during threatening conditions. Avoid already flooded
and high velocity flow areas. Do not attempt to cross a flowing
stream on foot where water is above your ankles.
For further information... please view our severe weather awareness week
web Page at http://www.Srh.NOAA.Gov/Jan/?N=swaw
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