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| March 16 - 20, 2009 |
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Many of us fear tornadoes and lightning, but what about water? It seems harmless since we drink water...swim and bathe in it. So why does water kill more than 100 people annually in this country? Because the power of water is underestimated. |
| Water becomes deadly when flash flooding and flooding occur (during or shortly following a heavy rain event). |
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Some definitions...
Flash Flood: Usually occurs within 6 hours. The rate of rainfall exceeds the rate of runoff (rain falls faster than it can be carried away). Because water has nowhere to go, it covers roads and fills small streams and creeks.
Flood: Usually takes longer than 6 hours to unfold and can last for several days. Water from a flash flood event (or long-term heavy rain event) eventually makes its way into rivers...with excess water flowing into nearby towns, fields, etc.
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| In 2008, there were six (6) flood/flash flood related deaths in Arkansas...
Near West Fork (Washington Co.), March 18 - A flash flood fatality occurred when a motorist attempted to drive through a flooded low-water crossing.
Northwest of Onia (Stone Co.), March 18 - A flash flood fatality occurred when a car went off Arkansas Highway 263 into floodwaters. Apparently, flooding covered the intersection of the highway and a county road, and the driver misjudged where his turn was and drove off into the water.
Near Noland (Randolph Co.), April 1 - One flood fatality occurred when a boat capsized in floodwaters near the Black River.
West of Plainview (Yell Co.), April 11 - Two flood fatalities occurred when a motorist drove around barricades on Arkansas Highway 28 and into floodwaters. The small pick-up truck floated off the road and the driver and a passenger drowned.
South of Amy (Ouachita Co.), October 8 - One flood fatality occurred when a motorist drove around barricades on Arkansas Highway 7 and into floodwaters. The small SUV was washed off the road and overturned. The driver was trapped in the vehicle and drowned.
There were 18 flood/flash flood related deaths from 1995 through 2008. Check out the statistics below...
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| Arkansas Flood Related Deaths |
| 1995 |
0 |
| 1996 |
0 |
| 1997 |
1 |
| 1998 |
2 |
| 1999 |
0 |
| 2000 |
0 |
| 2001 |
0 |
| 2002 |
2 |
| 2003 |
0 |
| 2004 |
2 |
| 2005 |
1 |
| 2006 |
3 |
| 2007 |
1 |
| 2008 |
6 |
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Most of these deaths were the result of motorists trying to drive through high (and moving) water. In fact, statistics show that roughly 50% of flood/flash flood related deaths in this country occur in automobiles. |
| In the picture: A car was washed off the road in southwest Scott County (western Arkansas) and was swept downstream (i.e. along Haws Creek) on 05/27/2002. The woman driving the car exited the vehicle to try to get help, and was swept downstream. |
| If flood waters are between you and your destination, the National Weather Service wants you to remember a simple slogan: "Turn Around Don't Drown" TM. For more about this slogan, go on-line to the following address:
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/tadd
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| The National Weather Service is so serious about flooding/flash flooding that it has created Flood Safety Awareness Week. This week was designed to increase public awareness about high water and its dangers. Education is the key to understanding high water and to avoid becoming a statistic. |
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For more on flood safety... there is a very useful website available. To go to the website, click here. |
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