(KNSI) – Severe Weather Awareness Week rolls into Wednesday with special attention to the risk of floods.
National Weather Service warning coordination specialist Todd Kruase says if you see water flowing over a road, turn around, don’t drown. “One foot of flowing water is enough to take away 1500 pounds. So, that’s a small car. Two feet of water will take away most vehicles. And even if you’re on foot, six inches of flowing water can knock you off your feet.”
Krause feels staying away from flooded areas is the best way to stay alive. “That’s the most important thing. If there’s flash flooding, a lot of times people underestimate the power of the water. That’s when people get into trouble.”
About 75 percent of flash flood deaths occur at night. Half of the victims die in automobiles or other vehicles. Many deaths occur when people drive around road barricades that clearly show the road is washed out ahead.
Nationally, floods claim nearly 200 lives a year, forcing 300,000 people from their homes and causing over $2 billion in property damage.
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