|
 |
|
| March 17 - 21, 2008 |
 |
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). |
 |
|
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. |
In Arkansas, there were 12 flood/flash flood related deaths
from 1995 through 2007. Check out the statistics below...
|
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 |
|
 |
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 |
 |
| 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.
|
 |
For more on flood safety... there is a very useful website available. To go
to the website, click here. |
|
|
|
www.weather.gov
Contact Us