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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
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
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In a vehicle
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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.
Links to other Flash Flood Safety pages:
NSSL flash
flood research
Turn Around, Don't Drown (National
Weather Service)
Thunderstorms...Tornadoes...Lightning (NOAA,
Red Cross, FEMA) [pdf]
Flood
and Flash Flood (American Red Cross)
Floods,
The Awesome Power (NOAA,
Red Cross, FEMA) [pdf]
Disaster
Services foreign language materials (American Red Cross)