POSTED: Thursday, April 17, 2014 - 9:44pm
UPDATED: Thursday, April 17, 2014 - 11:38pm
Severe Weather Awareness Week: Thursday, Flash Flooding
(KETK) - Tyler, Tx — KETK Severe Weather Awareness Week continues with arguably the number one weather related killer in the United States: Flooding.
At times, there will be strong storms that will produce heavy rainfall. When this happens, flooding of localized areas can occur very quickly. The National Weather Service will issue Flood or Flash Flood Warnings when flooding is imminent or in progress. A Flood or Flash Flood watch will be issued when the weather pattern shows potential for rapid flooding to occur.
Did you know that just two feet of water can move almost 3,000 pounds—equivalent to a size of a sedan? Water is very powerful when it is swiftly moving. Unfortunately, people do not heed the warnings and will attempt to drive their car pass a flooded area, resulting in the car being swept away and fatalities. In the past 30 years, the average flood death is 89, with half of them being vehicle-related—ths according to the National Weather Service.
Even last year, the #1 flood fatality was through driving.
You can protect yourself from the dangers of flooding by keeping a close monitor on local creeks or other areas that are prone to flood quickly. It is especially important to be very cautious at night—when it is more difficult to see the flooding dangers.
When you come to a flood of water, you are advised to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”. If you cannot fully see the roadway due to water covering it, then you should not cross it. Also, it is important to seek higher ground when flooding is likely or imminent.
Tomorrow, Severe Weather Awareness Week concludes when we will explain the importance of having a NOAA Weather Radio.