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NOUS41 KALY 261200
PNSALY
800 AM EDT Fri Apr 26 2024

...Severe Weather Awareness Week Continues...

Today the focus is on flash floods.

Flash flooding is a rapid rise of water along a stream, or in a low
lying or urban area. During the summer, the most common cause of
flash flooding is downpours associated with thunderstorms. However,
flash floods can also result from dam breaks, including beaver dam
breaks, or heavy rain from tropical storms.

Eastern New York and western New England are particularly
susceptible to flash floods because of topography. Heavy rain
falling on steep terrain creates an ideal situation as water rapidly
moves down steep hillsides. Sometimes steep hillsides get so
waterlogged that they slip and mud slides or debris flows occur.
Flash flooding presents a threat to the urban motorist too.
Underpasses can fill rapidly with water. Driving into flood waters
can quickly put you in five or six feet of water and drown your
car`s engine.

In July of 2023, Hamilton County New York saw flash floods destroy
roads. In July of 2021, Windham County Vermont was hit hard by flash
floods. In October of 2019, the western Mohawk Valley and the
southern Adirondacks were hit by devastating flash floods which
resulted in one fatality.

Never underestimate the power of water. More than half of all flash
flood related deaths occur in automobiles. Two feet of flowing water
will cause most cars to float. Flooding hazards are increased at
night when visibility is reduced. The National Weather Service urges
you to respect all barriers that warn of flooded roads. Turn around,
don`t drown.

Those with interests along rivers, creeks and streams should remain
alert for flash flooding. A normally placid stream can swell to a 10
foot deep raging river in less than an hour if thunderstorm
downpours inundate an area upstream. Remember, six inches of flowing
water is often enough to knock a person off their feet. Campers are
particularly at risk. When outdoors, keep alert for muddy rapidly
rising streams, or a loud roaring sound upstream. If observed, head
for higher ground immediately.

NOAA Weather Radio offers one way to receive immediate relay of
flash flood warnings. Many local television and radio stations also
broadcast weather alerts. Computers and wireless devices can receive
warnings. National weather service flash flood warnings are relayed
as wireless emergency alerts to wireless phones by FEMA.

For more information on Severe Weather Awareness Week, go to our web
site www.weather.gov/albany or visit us on social media @NWSAlbany.

Tomorrow we conclude Severe Weather Awareness Week with a look back
at the key points concerning severe weather.
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NWS Albany