Flash Flood Season

Weather can have a serious impact on our day to day lives. Snow and ice can make the roads treacherous. A thunderstorm can knock out power or even turn into a tornado. People who live on the coasts may face hurricanes. Flash floods are another common weather occurrence. Although they can happen at any time of the year, they are more prevalent during the spring. They usually occur during or after a heavy rain. People who live in low lying areas near a stream or a river are more likely to see them. They can wreak havoc on the utilities in certain areas, contributing to loss of electricity and other problems.

A flash flood happens very quickly. It may seem as if it happens all of the sudden. One moment, the stream that flows under a bridge is moving along as usual, the next moment it's flooding the bridge and road. Water levels can rise very fast in very short periods of time, especially after a hard rain or around areas that the soil doesn't absorb water very well. Flooding can be quite dangerous, and water levels can actually be higher than they seem. Some people have learned that lesson the hard way as they attempted to drive across a road that should not be crossed. The water has been known to overcome the engine of a car, causing it to lose power and leading to a driver being stranded in the water or even being swept away.

If you live in a low lying area that is prone to flash floods, it is a good idea to prepare yourself so that you don't unwittingly get caught in one. One good way to do this is to identify areas of higher ground and make a plan to get to them as safely as possible. If you are at home and you lose power, be sure to keep a weather radio handy and make sure it has fresh batteries in it so that you can listen to the forecasters. It is also a smart idea to keep supplies such as canned food and a fresh water supply just in case you become stranded for any length of time.