In an effort to communicate important weather information, EIUWC has provided information to help you protect you and your family in the event of a NWS issued Flash Flood or Flood advisory.
Know the Advisory Terms/Phrases from National Weather Service
FLASH FLOOD WARNING: Signifies a dangerous situation where rapid flooding of small rivers, streams, creaks, or urban areas are imminent or already occurring. Very heavy rain that falls in a short time period can lead to flash flooding, depending on local terrain, ground cover, degree of urbanization, degree of man-made changes to river banks, and initial ground or river conditions. Flash flood warnings are generally in effect for 3 to 6 hours. (NWS)
FLOOD WATCH: Indicates that flash flooding is possible in and close to the watch area. Those in the affected area are urged to be ready to take quick action if a flash flood warning is issued or flooding is observed. (NWS)
The Basics of Flood Danger
"Turn Around, Don't Drown," is a simple NWS phrase that says it all. If the question comes to your mind whether you should drive through a water covered roadway or not, the answer is a simple, NO. It only takes 18-24 inches of water to cause your vehicle to unexpectedly stall in the middle of a flooded roadway or to float downstream. The best thing to do is find another route instead of risking unnecessary injury or death.
Flash Flood Safety
- Do not drive through flooded roadways. Turn Around and Find Another Route.
- Barricades are placed for one reason--it is not safe to travel down this road. Turn Around and Find Another Route.
- Stay away from flooded areas, creeks, rivers, reservoirs, dams, and any other location that is evident of flooding.
- Do Not Allow Children to Play or Swim in Flooded Areas.
- If your residence is located in a known low elevation susceptible to flooding, evacuate immediately to higher ground.
- DO NOT SECOND GUESS NATURE!
- FOLLOW ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT INSTRUCTIONS!
MYTH: "It has never happened here before...It can't be that dangerous."
This statement is a common problem. It can happen here and it can be dangerous. If law enforcement officials state that the danger is imminent, then the situation is real and immediate action must be taken.
MYTH: "I'll barricade my home to protect it from rising waters so that I do not have to leave."
This statement is a common problem. Nature is unpredictable. If law enforcement officials state that the danger is imminent, then the situation is real and immediate action must be taken.
The Truth About Floods
It is not a tornado or lightning but it can kill you. Too many unnecessary injuries and deaths have occurred in the past because some people thought they could drive through a flooded roadway. I have attended several NWS Storm Spotter Training sessions and I am still amazed by the video clips showing people putting themselves in harm's way. One particular video shows a small creek flooding a country road and the video of the person inside decides to cross the slow moving water...the result...screams of surprise as the car floats off the road into a deeper water. Another was at a scene where a river was similar to a class 5 rapid. On the opposite side of the videographer a Dodge Horizon was gaining speed to drive through the obviously torrential waters...the result...the vehicle got caught in the fastest part of the flow and turned over, killing the two people inside. As I tell my students, "no matter if you are trying to impress someone with your macho-ism or simply in a hurry, you will die or be left with irreversible injuries! Use Commonsense! You can impress people by other means or take more time by finding another route." That is it, Use Commonsense. If the you have the instantaneous question of whether you should not do it or should...the answer is always the first...DON'T DO IT. You can get that desired "rush" from an Amusement Park. Live for the next day.
For the Latest Hazardous Information in your area, go to www.weather.gov.
Do you have more questions about floods? Send us an email, cdcraig@eiu.edu.