NORTH PLATTE – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Weather Service (NWS) have issued a release reminding the state’s residents that this week, March 27 through 31, is Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Week, with Friday’s final focus on flash floods.
The NOAA and National Weather Service caution that while floods are dangerous, they can tend to develop slower than other forms of severe weather, which gives residents ample time to prepare for such emergencies.
The organizations stress that preparedness can never come too soon, and urge residents to make plans, starting with helpful questions such as:
- What is my flood risk?
- Am I currently located in a floodplain?
- Where is water most likely to collect?
- Where will I go if I do get flooded out?
If one is caught in flood conditions, the NOAA and National Weather Service suggest ways to help ensure safety. Getting to the highest ground possible tops the list, as of course, water will most likely continue to rise. Driving is ill-advised, as it only takes about a foot of water to carry off many vehicles. If a vehicle stalls in a flood, evacuate it immediately. Follow all road closures
Do not treat floodwaters as harmless; it can be extremely difficult to determine how quickly the water is flowing, or if there are holes or submerged debris. It takes as little as 6 inches of rapidly-moving water to throw off an adult’s balance. The proximity of floodwater to open electricity is another reason to avoid it.
Keeping informed before, during, and after a flood goes a long way to mitigating potential damage and possible cleanup; the NOAA and NWS recommend whenever possible to tune into local news outlets, social media, and NOAA Weather Radio throughout the disaster.
