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National Flood Safety Awareness Week
Also see the NWS Amarillo
Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (AHPS)

It’s springtime across the Panhandles, and of course, springtime means severe weather for our area. One facet of severe weather is flash flooding. Flash flooding is a fairly rare occurrence in the Panhandles, but it can be deadly. In fact, there have been just as many flash flood deaths in the Panhandles as tornado deaths over the past 10 years. Be sure to review not only your tornado and severe thunderstorm safety rules, but also your flash flood safety rules.

To be safe, make sure you adhere to the following Flash Flood safety rules:

1. Remember, a flash flood watch means conditions are favorable for fast rising water. A flash flood warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring.
2. Never drive through water that covers the road, just 2 feet of fast flowing water can float most vehicles. Save your life. Turn Around, Don't Drown!
3. Know your location in relation to streams, rivers or creeks that can become killers in heavy rains.
4. Do not cross areas where water is flowing, even on foot. Rapidly flowing water can quickly sweep you off your feet.
5. Most flash flood deaths occur at night. Be especially cautious at night since it is harder to recognize the dangers of flash floods. Use caution in and around streams, creeks or drainage ditches. Take the shortest path to reach higher ground, but do not drive through rising water.
6. If you are outdoors, escape rising water by moving directly to higher ground. Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes. Pay attention to slow moving thunderstorms and to rapid increases in stream levels and flow.
7. Be alert this spring and summer by equipping yourself with a NOAA weather radio and listen for updated forecasts, warnings and advisories issued by the National Weather Service.