Flash Floods-Andy Bailey from the National Weather Service in Pleasant Hill, MO.

This is Andy Bailey from the National Weather Service in Pleasant Hill.  I want to talk to you today about flash floods.  A flash flood is simply a rapid rise of water along a stream or low lying urban area.  Flash flood damage and most fatalities tend to occur in areas immediately adjacent to a stream, due to heavy rain, rapid snow melt or ice jams.  Flash floods can be produced when slow moving or multiple thunderstorms occur over the same area.  When storms move faster, flash flooding is less likely since the rain is distributed over a broader area.

It is important to know that almost half of all flash flood fatalities occur in vehicles.  Contrary to popular belief, many people don’t realize that two feet of water on a bridge or highway can float most vehicles. If the water is moving rapidly, the car or truck or SUV could be swept off the road and into the creek. 

Also you should know that water can erode the road bed creating unsafe driving conditions.  Underpasses can fill rapidly with water while the adjacent roadway remains clear.  Driving into a flooded underpass can quickly put you into five to six feet of water.  Many flash floods occur at night, when flooded roads are difficult to see.  Here at the National Weather Service we tell people to, “Turn around don’t drown” when you approach a flooded roadway.

When you receive a flood warning, if advised to evacuate do so immediately do not hesitate implement your family safety plan.  Get out of areas that are subject to flooding, and never try to walk, swim, drive or play in flood water.  You may not be able to see how fast the flood water is moving or actually see holes or submerged debris.  Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, and low lying areas, particularly during threatening conditions.  And finally, be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers.

More information on flash flood safety can be found on http://weather.gov/kc .