Severe weather preparedness: Flood safety
Tuesday is the second day of Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Missouri and Kansas, and the thunderstorm related hazard of focus is flooding.
Aside from extreme heat, flooding is the leading cause of weather related deaths nationwide, and across the state of Missouri. The majority of flood related deaths affect those in automobiles.
Just six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep a person off of their feet. A foot of moving water can carry most cars and SUVs. 18 inches of moving water can sweep away even the largest vehicles. If you encounter a flooded roadway, remember ‘turn around, don’t drown’.
While some flood events take place over a period of days or weeks, flash floods are especially dangerous, because they develop in a matter of hours or even minutes.
If conditions are conducive to flash flooding due to expected periods of heavy rain, a flash flood watch will be issued. If flash flooding is actively occurring, a flash flood warning will be issued.
For those who live in a flood prone area, having an evacuation plan is crucial. If the potential for flooding is in the forecast, individuals must be able to seek higher ground quickly and make alternative arrangements if evacuation is necessary due to anticipated flooding.
