When most of us think about the dangers of severe weather, tornadoes and lightning may be the first things that come to mind. Both can be deadly, but flooding actually kills more people in the United States each year.


What You Need To Know

  • Flash flooding can be difficult to forecast with much lead time

  • Many flood fatalities occur in vehicles that drive through a flooded road

  • If you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around

Here in North Carolina, flash flooding has occurred over 1,000 times in the last ten years. This type of flooding can be difficult to forecast with much lead time as it develops quickly from a large amount of rain that falls over a short period of time. 

Many flood fatalities occur are the result of people attempting to drive through a flooded road. It only take about a foot of flowing water to wash most cars and even SUVs and trucks off a road.

It is often difficult to determine exactly how deep water may be over a road. That is especially the case when flooding happens at night.

Walking through flood waters can be equally as dangerous. Less than a foot of flowing water is enough to knock down most adults.  

There's one simple safety rule to remember when it comes to flooding - Turn Around, Don’t Drown®.

Never attempt to drive across a flooded road, and never drive through a barricade that may have been set up due to the potential for flooding.

If it is too late and floodwaters are rising around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if the moving water is no more than a few inches deep.

If your car becomes trapped in rapidly moving water and you cannot get out, the National Weather Service recommends staying in the vehicle. If water starts rising in the vehicle, attempt to get out and get on the roof of the car if possible.

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