Levees, diversion spillways, and wetlands restoration
Slowly-moving heavy thunderstorms
Water, food, battery-operated radio, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit, whistle, etc.
Stay in the car and do not step out into flowing water.
Heavy rains from tropical storms or hurricanes, bursting dams or ice jams
Call 911 and other systems to request trained rescuers come to your position. Keep calm and provide all needed information to get them to you.
A rapid rise in stream or river levels in a very short time, often with no warning
Abandon the car and go quickly to higher ground.
Listen for distant thunder, watch for rising water.
Participate in developing action plans through programs such as the FEMA "America's Preparathon" http://www.community.fema.gov/take-action/activities
Rainfall gages, lightning detectors, and aircraft
Narrow water channels, many streams, steep slopes, and saturated ground.
NOAA Weather Radio
A "watch" means "Stay alert and keep listening to local news reports!" and a "warning" means "Take Action Now!"
There are about 125 flash flood deaths each year on average, compared with 73 lightning deaths, 68 tornado deaths, and 16 hurricane deaths
"Turn around, don't drown!”
Doppler Weather Radar
Get to higher ground as soon as possible. If possible, bring an emergency supply kit.
View a FEMA Flood Map https://msc.fema.gov/portal
About 6 - 24 inches
A series of thunderstorms that result from cool downdrafts spreading out along the ground, bumping against warm, moist air, and forcing it upward to begin a new thunderstorm.
More than 125
About 6 inches
Nearly half
It is hard to predict exactly where rain will fall, how much, and what will happen when it reaches the ground.
19) What, in addition to weather radars, are some systems used to detect the potential for flash flooding?
14) What should you do if the flood is moving your car?
12) What should you do if you come to a flooded road?
27) What can you do to help prepare your community before a flood occurs?
10) What landscape conditions are especially vulnerable to flash flooding?
4) About how many flash flood fatalities are vehicle-related?
9) How many inches of moving water can float a car or truck?
16) What weather technology is most useful to help forecasters know when and where flash floods might occur?
13) What should you do if water surrounds your car but is not moving?
5) What is a "Mesoscale Convection System"?
1) What is a flash flood?
25) What are some engineering methods that can be used to reduce flood damage?
21) What should you do if you are in an area where a flood warning is issued?
17) What is the difference between a "flash flood watch" and a "flash flood warning"?
6) How many flash floods occur in the US on average each year?
2) What weather conditions produce most flash floods?
18) What makes flash floods so difficult to forecast far in advance?
22) What are some basic items that should be in your disaster emergency kit?
7) How does the number of flash flood deaths compare with other weather-related deaths?
8) How many inches of moving water can knock you off your feet?
3) What are some other conditions that can create flash floods?
23) How can you find out if your area is in a flood-prone location?
15) What should you do if you don't have training to respond to an emergency?
20) What should you listen and look for if you're outside in a potential flood zone?
11) Where can you find weather information and warnings 24/7?
