Flash Flooding!

April Armani

Contributor

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Given yesterday's thunderstorm and the horrible news of people being swept away in flash floods (to read more, click here), a reminder about flash flooding is in order.

A flash flood is a rapid flooding of low lying areas caused by intense rainfall that comes with a thunderstorm. The rain falls so quickly that the ground cannot absorb the water, then the runoff collects in low lying areas and quickly flows downhill. Flash floods are sudden. Many people think they'll be safe in a car in the event of a flash flood. Nothing can be further from the truth. More that half of flash flood fatalities are due to people being swept away in their vehicles when trying to cross flooded intersections. As little as two feet of water can be enough to carry an SUV vehicle. The National Weather Service advises people to "Turn Around, Don't Drown" when faced with a flash flood. Don't try to cross it, just get out of the area. Click here to learn more about flash floods.