Flash Floods
Flash flooding is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in Taxes. As little as six inches of water can float some vehicles. If you incounter a flooded road, Turn Around, Don't Drown.
- Never try to walk, swim or drive through swift water.
- Stay informed about weather conditions when you are driving.
- If your vehicles stalls in deep water, leave it and move to higher ground if you can do so safetly.
- Don't move, tamper with or drive around barriers blocking a low-water crossing. Penalties range from $200 to $1,000 and/or two years in jail.
Except for heat related fatalities, more deaths occur from flooding than any other lazard. Why? Most people fail to realize the power of water. For example, six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet.
National Weather Service data also shows:
- Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle-related,
- The majority of victims are males, and
- Flood deaths affect all age groups.
Most flash floods are caused by slow moving thunderstorms, thunderstorms that move repeatedly over the same area or heavy rains from tropical storma and hurricanes. These floods can develop within minutes or hours depending on the intensity and duration of the rain, the topography, soil conditions and ground cover.
Flash floods can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings and bridges, and scour out new channels. Rapidly rising water can reach heights of 30 feet or more. Furthermore, flash flood-producing rains can also trigger catastrophic mud slides.
Occasionally, floating debris or ice can accumulate at a natural or man-made obstruction and restrict the flow of water. Water held back by the ice by the ice jam or debris dam can cause flooding upstream. Subsequent flash floodingcan occur downstream if the obstruction should suddently release.
