Flood Saftey
FLOOD
AND FLASH FLOOD INFORMATION & SAFETY RULES
Across the Inland Northwest,
river floods occur most often in association with rain and snowmelt from late
winter into late spring. The flash flooding can happen anytime of the year,
but July and August are the prime months for thunderstorm induced flash flooding.
A flash flood refers to
a dangerous sudden rise in water along a stream, river, wash or over a normally
dry land area. Flash floods result from heavy rainfall, river ice jams, dam
or levee failures. Flash floods can occur within a few minutes or hours, and
can move at surprisingly high speeds, striking with little warning. They can
erode an entire mountain side, roll boulders the size of trucks, tear out trees,
destroy buildings, wash out roads and bridges, and cause loss of lives. Rain
weakened soils can also result in mud slides capable of closing interstates.
Water covered roadways near Moscow, ID 3/14/03.
FLASH
FLOOD WATCH
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FLASH
FLOOD WARNING
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URBAN
AND SMALL STREAM FLOOD ADVISORY
|
- Flooding is possible
- Be ready to evacuate
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- Flooding is imminent
or occuring
- Evacuate to high
ground
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- Minor flooding
expected
- Not considered
life threatening
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You may not always have
a warning that these deadly sudden floods are coming so you need to know some
basic flash flood safety rules.
- Do not camp or park your
vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
- If you are near a river,
be aware of water levels and be prepared to take action to move to higher
ground if river levels rise.
- Do not enter areas that
are already flooded. Do not try to cross a flowing stream on foot when the
water is at or above your knees.
- If walking or fishing
along a river, be aware that erosion from swift running water can cause river
banks to collapse.
- Never let your children
play around high water or storm drains.
- Be especially cautious
at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
Nearly half of all flash
flood fatalities are auto related. While driving your automobile, look out for
flooding at highway dips, bridges and low areas. Two feet of water will carry
away most automobiles. NEVER ATTEMPT TO DRIVE OVER A FLOODED ROAD. The
road bed may be washed out under the water and you could be stranded or trapped.
If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Rising water
may engulf the vehicle and its occupants and sweep them away.
During flash flood season,
and year round, stay abreast of the latest weather information. You can receive
the latest forecasts and immediate notifcation of warnings on NOAA Weather Radio.
For more information on
Flash Flooding, visit the "Turn
Around Don't Drown" National Weather Service web page
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National Weather Service Mission: "The
National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather,
hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for
the United States, its territories, adjacent waters
and ocean areas, for the protection of life and
property and the enhancement of the national economy.
NWS data and products form a national information
database and infrastructure which can be used by
other governmental agencies, the private sector,
the public, and the global community." |