Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. Why? The main reason is people underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in automobiles as they are swept downstream. Of these drownings, many are preventable, but too many people continue to drive across a flooded road.

One of the primary flood hazards and causes of flood related deaths across the Ozarks is driving into low water crossings. Every year a few adventurous drivers attempt to cross flooded roads and fail.

Learn more about Low Water Crossings

Take a look at Low Water Crossing Locations across the Ozarks.

Download Flood Safety Tips
 
Water weighs 62.4 lbs. per cubic foot and typically flows downstream at 6 to 12 mph. When a vehicle stalls in the water, the water's momentum is transferred to the car. For each foot the water rises, 500 lbs. of lateral force is applied to the automobile.

But the biggest factor is bouyancy. For each foot the water rises up the side of the car, the car displaces 1500 lbs. of water. In effect, the automobile weighs 1500 lbs. less for each foot the water rises. Two feet of water will carry away most automobiles!!!


Flooding causes more damage in the United States than any other severe weather related event, an average of $5 billion a year. Flooding can occur in any of the 50 states or U.S. territories at anytime of the year.


NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards is one of the best ways to receive warnings from the National Weather Service. NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather and river information direct from nearby NWS offices. Also, the NWS web page provides forecasts and warning and identifies where flooding is occurring.


Once a river reaches flood stage, the flood severity categories used by the NWS include minor flooding, moderate flooding, and major flooding. Each category has a definition based on property damage and public threat.

    * Minor Flooding - minimal or no property damage, but possibly some public threat or inconvenience
    * Moderate Flooding - some inundation of structures and roads near streams. Some evacuations of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations are necessary.
    * Major Flooding - extensive inundation of structures and roads. Significant evacuations of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations.

The impacts of a floods vary locally.  For each NWS river forecast location, flood stage and the stage associated with each of the NWS flood severity categories are established in cooperation with local public officials.  Increasing river levels above flood stage constitute minor, moderate, and major flooding.  Impacts vary from one river location to another because a certain river stage (height) in one location may have an entirely different impact than the same level above flood stage at another location.


A flood occurs when prolonged rainfall over several days, intense rainfall over a short period of time, or an ice or debris jam causes a river or stream to overflow and flood the surrounding area. Melting snow can combine with rain in the winter and early spring; severe thunderstorms can bring heavy rain in the spring and summer; or tropical cyclones can bring intense rainfall to the coastal and inland states in the summer and fall.

A flash floods occur within six hours of a rain event, or after a dam or levee failure, or following a sudden release of water held by an ice or debris jam, and flash floods can catch people unprepared. You will not always have a warning that these deadly, sudden floods are coming. So, if you live in areas prone to flash floods, plan now to protect your family and property. The use of the word "flash" here is synonymous with "urgent."


How to reduce potential flood damage and what to include in a family disaster plan can be obtained from the American Red Cross. 

The American Red Cross offers these ideas to keep you prepared should flooding occur in your neighborhood:

Know what to expect:

    * Know if your area is at risk for flooding.  You can call your local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office, or local planning and zoning department.
    * If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
    * Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information.

Lessen the chances of potential flood damage:

    * Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
    * Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.

Be Red Cross Ready
View the BRCR module

Know what the warnings mean:

    * A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area. If a flood watch is issued move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.  Fill your vehicle's gas tank in case you have to evacuate.
    * A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.  If a flood warning is issued, listen to local radio and television stations for information.  If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.
    * A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area. Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate quickly.
    * A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.  If a flash flood warning is issued, evacuate immediately.  You may only have seconds to escape.  Act quickly.  Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains.  Do not drive around barricades.  If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon in immediately and climb to higher ground.




(this material provided by NOAA, NWS, FEMA and American Red Cross)