With Tropical Storm Edouard drifting slowly toward the coasts of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, NOAA’s National Weather Service cautions inland residents about potential flooding dangers.

“As we saw with last year’s tragic deaths from Tropical Storm Allison, everyone should take the threat of flooding seriously,” said Bill Proenza, director of the southern region of NOAA’s National Weather Service. “Inland and coastal residents should carefully monitor official NOAA National Weather Service watches and warnings for their area and be prepared to implement emergency response plans.”

Floods cause more than 80 deaths in the United States each year on average. Since half of those deaths are usually auto-related, it is imperative that citizens avoid driving vehicles over flooded roads or bridges, he said. It takes only two feet of water to float an automobile.

Proenza also stressed that those in flood-prone areas should determine vulnerability to flooding and develop a plan of action in advance. They should:

Be aware of streams and drainage channels in the area.
Avoid flooded low areas, even if not near rivers and streams.
Monitor NOAA Weather Radio.
Never attempt to walk through moving water.
Contact the local emergency management agency to learn about measures to protect property.
Restrict children from playing near flood waters and culverts.
Test drinking water for potability.
Wash canned food and avoid fresh food that has been in contact with flood waters.

NOAA's National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. NOAA Weather Service operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy.

To learn more about NOAA National Weather Service, please visit http://www.nws.noaa.gov.