If you don’t take safety precautions, tornadoes, lightning, and hurricanes can all be fatal. Flash Flood Watch can be particularly dangerous, and they are more deadly than any other climate risk. Stay safe if you
If you don’t take safety precautions, tornadoes, lightning, and hurricanes can all be fatal. Flash Flood Watch can be particularly dangerous, and they are more deadly than any other climate risk.
Stay safe if you live in an area where Flash Flood Watch is common. Learn the difference between a flood warning and a flood watch, as well as what to do if a flash flood occurs.
It’s not a matter of degrees, but both situations are cause for concern
It is important to know the difference between a flash flooding watch and a flash flood warning. Important to note that these alerts are different from warnings and watches for severe weather conditions like hurricanes. You shouldn’t assume that you are familiar with winter storms and can distinguish between warning and watch.
Definitions
- First, a Flash Flood Watch will be issued. This means that the weather conditions are favorable to flooding. Although a watch is not a guarantee of a flash flooding event, it can be a good indicator that severe weather will occur in your area.
- Flash flood warning indicates that a flash flooding is imminent or in progress. A flash flood can happen so fast that it is impossible to issue flood warning alerts.
What should I do in case of a flash flood?
People underestimate the dangers of rapid-moving water and aren’t prepared for emergencies. These six tips will help you and your family stay safe in severe weather.
- Prepare an emergency plan and a kit. You need to know where you can go if you are forced to evacuate. You should know which roads are safe for travel in flood conditions and which roads will likely be flooded. You should have an escape plan in place before you are likely to be in danger. This will allow you to quickly reach safe ground during flooding. You should also prepare an emergency kit that you can quickly access, with items such as flashlights and a car charger.
- Keep up-to-date with weather forecasts. You’re likely to get a Wireless Emergency Alert(WEA) in flash flood situations. You should still be alerted to severe weather conditions before they are announced. Weather hazards can be avoided if you are prepared.
- Do not wait for a warning to act. Act immediately if you see a flash flooding approaching. This could mean moving to safer territory depending on your location. Disconnect utilities and appliances first. You might need to get off the road and find higher ground.
- Evacuation orders should be followed immediately. Although you don’t need to wait to be ordered to evacuate, it is important to follow these instructions immediately.
- Call 911 to get help. You can evacuate your home if it is too late. If you are unable to move, your family should be moved to the attic or highest place possible. Call 911 for assistance.
- Avoid walking or driving in flood areas. More than half of all flood-related deaths are caused by people who drive into flood waters. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the next-highest number of drownings is caused by people trying to walk into or near flood water. For most adults to drown, it takes only six inches of water moving quickly to cover their heads and 12 inches to transport smaller vehicles. Do not attempt to drive or walk through a flood zone. Do not drown, turn around!
Flash floods can be a life-threatening and serious weather risk. For more information on flood safety, visit National Weather Service today.