The Danger of Flash Floods

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

It only takes a foot of floodwater to sweep away a vehicle during a flash flood.

When an area receives an overabundance of rain in a short period of time, the likelihood of a flash flooding event increases.  Flash floods are dangerous because they move so quickly.  According to the National Weather Service, flash floods are the number one cause of weather-related deaths in the United States.  The majority of those deaths are automobile-related.  Never drive onto a flooded roadway because you have no way of knowing the depth of the water or how fast it is moving.  A car can be swept away before the driver fully realizes the extent of the danger. 

A flash flood can happen when the ground is so saturated from heavy rainfall, it cannot absorb any more, so the water begins to rise.  This makes cities and other densely populated areas at a higher risk for flash floods.  More of the land is covered by concrete, roadways, buildings, and the like, so there is less natural ground to absorb the water.  Storm drains often become clogged by debris, causing an overflow into the streets and buildings nearby.  Low areas become extremely dangerous in situations like this.

So what do you do if there is a Flash Flood Warning for your location?  Most importantly, seek higher ground.  If you are instructed to evacuate, do so immediately.  Flash floods can bring rapidly rising water, so seconds count.  Have a disaster plan in place for your family so you know what to do and where to go.  Never try to walk or drive into floodwaters.  It only takes six inches of water to knock you down and sweep you away.  A foot of floodwater can do the same to a vehicle.

Should you find your home or business damaged due to a flash flood, SERVPRO of Saline County and SERVPRO of Hot Springs is here to help.  Give us a call at 501-776-2222.  We're available 24/7 and will work with you to make it "Like it never even happened."