With a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms today and Sunday, there is a chance of flash flood. Flash floods can strike any time and any place with little or no warning. In mountainous or flat terrain, distant rain may be channeled into gullies and ravines, turning a wash into rampaging torrent in minutes. City streets can become rivers in seconds. A flash flood watch means it is possible that rains will cause flash flooding in the specified area. Be alert and prepared for a flood emergency. A flash flood warning means flash flooding is occurring or is imminent in the specified area. Reporter Edica Gonzalez says if you encounter running water, turn around, don’t drown…
Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters. People underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in automobiles as they are swept downstream. Of these drownings, many are preventable, but too many people continue to drive around the barriers that warn you the road is flooded. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car, while 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters. Stay safe by keeping everyone in mind as you drive in stormy weather.
