Todays topic: inland flooding
The goal of hurricane preparedness week is to inform the public about
hurricane hazards and provide knowledge which can be utilized when
you take action. This information can be used to save lives at work,
home, while on the Road, or on the water. Each day of hurricane
preparedness week features a unique topic relevant to education and
awareness. Hurricane season is generally considered to be from June
1st until November 30th for the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of
Mexico.
Today we will focus on inland flooding. When it comes to hurricanes,
wind speeds do not tell the whole story. Hurricanes produce storm
surges, tornadoes, and often the most deadly of all, inland
flooding. In the 1970s through the 1990s, inland flooding
was responsible for more than half of the deaths associated with
tropical systems in the United States.
Inland flooding can be a major threat to communities hundreds of
miles from the coast as intense rain falls from these immense
tropical air masses. Some of the worst inland flooding may not
come from inland moving hurricanes, but from weaker tropical
systems that move slowly across the area.
Inland flooding can include both river and flash flooding. Flash
flooding typically occurs within several hours of heavy rainfall,
and is the most dangerous type of inland flooding. Flash flooding can
be especially dangerous at night, when rising waters can not be
easily seen. Be aware of streams, drainage channels, and areas known
to flood.
What can you do…
When you hear of a tropical storm or hurricane, think inland
flooding.
Determine whether you live in a flood zone.
If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Keep abreast of Road conditions.
Do not attempt to cross a flooded roadway. Remember this simple
slogan…turn around, don’t drown.
Monitor NOAA Weather Radio for flash flood warnings.
Hurricane preparedness week continues on Thursday with information on
the forecast process.
For additional historical or preparedness information, you can visit
these sites on the world wide web:
National Weather Service Birmingham, Alabama
www.Srh.NOAA.Gov/bmx
National Weather Service Mobile, Alabama
www.Srh.NOAA.Gov/mob
National Hurricane Center
www.NHC.NOAA.Gov
www.NHC.NOAA.Gov/haw2/English/intro.Shtml
Fema
www.Fema.Gov/areyouready/hurricanes.Shtm
American Red Cross
www.Redcross.Org/services/disasters
NOAA coastal services center - historical hurricane tracks
http://maps.Csc.NOAA.Gov/hurricanes
Source: NOAA.gov
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