Iowa Severe Weather Awareness Week: Why turn around, don't drown is crucial advice
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Iowa's News Now) — The final topic of Iowa's Severe Weather Awareness Week highlights one of the top weather-related killers: Flooding.
Flooding can happen from a single large storm or over time on area rivers. Both forms are dangerous and have topped the list for severe weather fatalities for decades.
It's important to know the difference between those types and Flood Warnings versus Flash Flood Warnings.
Flood Warnings are issued once rivers rise out of their banks - this is the point where there may be closures of parks or streets, and sometimes evacuations.
Flash Flood Warnings are issued when heavy rainfall occurs and the ground isn't able to take all of it in. This can lead to rapid rises on creeks and water quickly covering roads.
Regardless of the warning, you'll want to remember: turn around, don't drown. It does not take much for water to become life-threatening.
Just six inches of moving water can be enough to knock you off your feet. 12 to 18 inches of moving water can be enough to sweep away vehicles.
Additionally, when water is moving fast it's hard to tell how deep it is, if the road has been washed away, or what's in the water.
And lastly, the safest place to be during a flooding event is indoors. If you see water creeping in, go to the highest floor in your house. If you're stuck outside during flooding, seek higher ground.
The WeatherFirst team will always have the latest information on forecasts, watches and warnings.
MORE SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK STORIES
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Iowa's Severe Weather Awareness Week: Understanding tornado alerts and how to stay safe
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