Protect Yourself During a Flash Flood

Flash flooding can cause major problems for drivers, pedestrians, and homeowners. Flash floods are mainly caused by large amounts of rain fall over a period of time. A Flash flood can form in several minutes, several hours, and even over several days. This type of flooding is extremely dangerous because it is hard to predict. As reported by the National Weather Service, flash flooding is the leading cause of weather related injury and death. More than 150 people are killed on average each year by flash floods and of those deaths 50% are vehicle related. Learn what signs to look out for when it comes to flash flooding so you can keep yourself safe.

Often flash floods are accompanied by slow moving thunderstorms and create a possibility of triggering other hazards like mud sildes, electrocution, drowning, and other injury. Flash floods may also be accompanied by severe weather including hail storms, excessive rain fall, lightning, and severe wind gusts. Weather of this nature can be catostrophic for drivers because flash floods can instantly wash out roadways and impair visibility on the road. Of the 50% of people killed in flash floods inside their vehicles more than 60% of the time it was because the vehicle stalled in deep water and the occupants could not escape safely. Of those people killed, the National Weather Service estimates about 58% are male between the ages of 22 and 49. In the event of flash flooding you should always seek higher ground and stay indoors. It is best not to drive until the water subsides because conditions on the road could be dangerous.