Winter weather worries include more than snow and freezing temperatures; winter is also one of the busiest flood seasons. Past floods have served as benchmarks and learning opportunities for communities that want to make sure their residents are ready for unexpected events, such as flash floods.
When determining if there is cause to issue a flash flood warning, the National Weather Service considers radar data, IFLOWS and automated rain gauges, soil conditions and the amount of rain that has already fallen in a particular area. When the waters rise, it merely takes a couple of feet of water to move car and other heavy objects. If there is a flash flood warning or heavy rains in your area, avoid driving through puddle of water or moving water because a flash flood can easily carry your vehicle away from the road and into a river, where most flash flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. Every year, more people die from rainwater than they do lightning, hurricanes and tornadoes.
If a flash flood warning is issued, residents in a low-lying area or near a stream, dam or river should be prepared to evacuate quickly as the fast-rising waters can trap them on a roof or worse. Read more about floods.
The Civil Defense in Hawai’ihas issued a tropical storm watch for the Big Island as Hurricane Felicia approaches. Flash flood warnings have been issued for Monday and Tuesday. The force of Hurricane Felicia is expected to bring heavy rains, high surfs, and strong winds.
Hawaii247.org reports that it looks like Felicia could be downgraded to a tropical storm later on today, but the storm should still be monitored. The online periodical offers these tips:
“When a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Watch is issued:
Fuel and service family vehicles.
Prepare to cover all windows and door openings with boards, shutters or other shielding materials.
Check food and water supplies. Have clean, air-tight containers on hand to store at least two weeks of drinking water (14 gallons per person), and stock up on canned provisions. Keep a small cooler with frozen gel packs handy for packing refrigerated items.
Check prescription medicines – obtain at least 10 days to 2 weeks supply.
Stock up on extra batteries for radios, flashlights, and lanterns.
Store and secure outdoor lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects, such as garbage cans and garden tools.
Check and replenish first-aid supplies.
Have on hand an extra supply of cash.
For the Central Pacific Ocean starting with the 2009 hurricane season, a Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning means hurricane/tropical storm conditions are expected in the specified area of the Warning, usually within 36 hours.
When a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Warning is issued:
Follow instructions issued by civil defense. Leave immediately if ordered to do so.
Complete preparation activities, such as boarding up windows and storing loose objects.
Evacuate areas that might be affected by storm surge flooding. If evacuating, leave early.
Notify neighbors and a family member outside of the warned area of your evacuation plans.”
Central Franklin County in Western Massachusetts has been warned about the threat of flash floods after heavy rains may amount to up to 4 inches by Sunday morning.
Doppler radar has already indicated areas that have already flooded due to excessive run-off waters into streams.
“…Flooding of urban areas including roads and underpasses is also expected. Do not drive through flooded roadways.
…Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Never drive into areas where water covers the roadway. Flood waters are usually deeper than they appear. Just one foot of flowing water is powerful enough to sweep vehicles off the road. When encountering flooding roads make the smart choice…turn around…don’t drown.
To report flooding have the nearest law enforcement agency relay your report to the national weather service in Taunton.”
If there is a flood warning for your area, move valuables to a higher elevation in the home or building. Also make sure your emergency disaster kit is prepared and your vehicle is ready to go in the case of an evacuation. More on preparing for a flood.
Southern California is expecting to be hit by another round of precipitation after Thursday’s showers already drenched Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Yesterday’s weather events dumped as much as 2 inches of rain in some parts of the valley.
The thunderstorms, rain, and snow showers hitting the Southland today are expected to stick around through the weekend. MSNBC reports the expected downpours have geologists concerned about potential flash floods and debris flows. High winds are also expected for the area and drivers are advised to travel with caution.
When one imagines Hawaii, one thinks of sun, perfect beaches, drinks in a pineapple, volcanoes, and lots of green plants every where. However, if one were to visit the state today, they would really see rain, rain, and more rain.
Central Oahu received about a foot of rain yesterday, according to the Honolulu Advertiser. However, parts of Hawaii that were suffering from a drought received up to three inches: an answer to many prayers.
Flash flood watches will remain in effect through the weekend.
Winter weather worries include more than snow and freezing temperatures; winter is also one of the busiest flood seasons. Past floods have served as benchmarks and learning opportunities for communities that want to make sure their residents are ready for unexpected events, such as flash floods.
