Expires:No;;402669
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.
$$
NWS Albany