FLOOD AND FLASH FLOOD SAFETY... Prepare In Advance For Heavy Rains Listen to the latest weather forecasts on NOAA Weather Radio or local television and radio stations. Remember when the National Weather Service issues a FLASH FLOOD WATCH it means conditions are favorable for flooding within the Watch area. Know what locations are vulnerable to flooding. Flooding is especially likely along arroyos, dried out	Summer monsoon heavy rains brought flooding to this El Paso  neighborhood.
river beds, and drainage ditches. Low lying urban and developed areas can also experience serious flooding. Paved areas with poor drainage have little capacity to absorb heavy rainfall so streets and highways can become like swift moving rivers, washing away cars and flooding neighborhoods. Canyons and mountain foothills can also become very dangerous during heavy rains since the terrain can channel water runoff into localized areas, causing dried out creeks and small streams  to become raging torrents. Some of the worst floods in history have occurred when heavy rains fell along mountain slopes.	These automobiles experienced damage after they were lifted and  carried by floodwaters in east El Paso.
After The Rains Begin Continue to stay informed of the latest weather information. When the National Weather Service issues a FLASH FLOOD WARNING it means flooding is occurring or is imminent in the Warning area. An URBAN AND SMALL STREAM ADVISORY indicates flooding of small streams, streets, or urban storm drains is likely or in progress. Stay alert for rising waters, especially if you live or are traveling in flood-prone areas. Remember floods can destroy homes and even stronger buildings so evacuate to higher ground if flooding is likely in your immediate vicinity.   return to page 1	When  traveling NEVER drive through flooded roads or highways. Most flash flood deaths occur when motor vehicles are swept away by floodwaters. Moving water only 2 feet deep can pick up and carry away an automobile. If the road ahead is flooded, turn around immediately and seek an alternate route of travel. If hiking or camping near streams and arroyos while heavy rains are in the vicinity, walk to higher ground immediately. Even small streams and dried out river beds can rapidly fill with water and overflow their banks, especially along mountain slopes. Remember even if it is not raining at your location, nearby rivers and streams can still flood if there are heavy rains falling upstream. page 6                                     go to page 7