NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory

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Flash Flood Safety...
What you need to know NOW!

Flash floods are the Number One weather-related killer in the United States. Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are auto-related! Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or commercial radio/television to stay informed about flash flood watches, warnings and advisories. You may have only SECONDS to act!

Flash floods occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall, a dam or levee failure, or a sudden release of water held by an ice jam.

Indoors

  • Abandon your home immediately if evacuation is recommended, before access is cut off by flood water.
  • Get to higher ground.

Just six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet, and a depth of two feet will float your car! NEVER try to walk, swim or drive through such swift water. STOP! Turn around and go another way.

Outdoors

  • You cannot outrun a flash flood.
  • Get to higher ground and climb to safety!
  • Watch for rapidly rising water.
  • Stay away from - and keep children from - drainage ditches and storm drains.
  • Do not walk into or near high water.
  • Do not camp along streams and washes.
  • Get out of areas subject to flooding, including dips, low spots, canyons and washes.
  • Avoid already flooded and high velocity flow areas.
  • Do not attempt to cross flowing streams where water is above your ankles.

Climb to Safety highway sign

In a vehicle

  • NEVER drive into water covering the road. You do not know how deep it is or if the road is washed out.
  • Turn around and go the other way!
  • Look out for flooding at highway dips, bridges, and low areas.
  • If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
  • Be especially cautious at night when it's harder to recognize flood dangers.
  • Do not park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.

 

Turn around, Don't drown barrier

FLASH FLOOD or FLOOD WATCH:
Flash flooding or flooding is possible within the designated watch area - be alert.

FLASH FLOOD or FLOOD WARNING:
 Flash flooding or flooding has been reported or is imminent - take necessary precautions at once!

URBAN and SMALL STREAM ADVISORY:
Flooding of small streams, streets and low-lying areas, such as railroad underpasses and urban storm drains is occurring.

FLASH FLOOD or FLOOD STATEMENT:
Follow-up information regarding a flash flood/flood event.

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