THE STORY

“Flooding never happens here. Tom was trying to get home. He drives on the road near the
stream every day. We knew it had been raining a lot, but it had been so dry, we were actually
happy about the rain. Tom saw some water on the road, but thought it wasn't deep. And
after all, he was in a truck, high up off the ground. But then his truck started to float, and
before he knew it, his truck was washed downstream with hirn in it. Fortunately, his truck
got stuck on a rock or something, and someone saw him and threw him a line. Tom got
out okay. But we really learned from this, not to drive in floods.”

Testimony of Marilyn and Tom (last name withheld), interviewed by the
American Red Cross after Tropical Storm Allison struck Texas in late June 2001.

contact your loca! National Weather Service Office

or National Weather Service, Office of Climate,
Water, and Weather Services

1325 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
http://tadd.weather.gov

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NOAA'S NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

National Weather Service



THE PROBLEM

- Tom was fortunate. He was rescued and lived to tell his tale, But others did not fare as
weil. A man in Pennsylvania, who refused to abandon his home during an evacuation,
later was swept away as he attempted to leave in his autornobile

— Aman in Arlington, Texas, trying to prove to his friend the water he was crossing was
enough to drive through, fost his life as he left his vehicle and attempted to wade

These tragic events happen too often. Ironically, many drivers rescued from flood waters
reported they were in a hurry to reach the safety of their home as a reason for attempting
to cross a flooded road.

Automobile commercials advertising the ability to drive through water lead to a false sense
of security at best and tragic consequences at worst

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that over one-half of all flood-related drownings
occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water, The next highest percentage of
flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters

TH E REASON
Forces on Vehicles From High Water

Where does the idea that “my heavy dese
vehicle will keep me safe” come from?
Perhaps from the false trust in the
weight of the vehicle you drive

Many believe their 3,000 pound or more
vehicle will remain in contact with the
road surface... that it is too heavy to
float. Think about that for a moment.
Aircraft carriers weighing 97,000 tons
float.

Vehicles (and ships) float because of buoyancy. In fact, most cars can be swept away in
18-24 inches of moving water. Trucks and SUVs do not fare much better with an additional
6-12 inches of clearance.


TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN

Actually, in moving water, all that needs to happen is for the vehicle to become buoyant
enough for the force of the moving water to push it sideways.

Once swept downstream, the vehicle will often roll to one side or perhaps flip over entirely.
The driver then only has a few seconds to escape the vehicle.

THE SOLUTION

The solution is simple. Turn around, don’t drown. Stay out of flooded roadways. The water
may be much deeper than it appears as the roadbed may be washed out. Also, respect the
“road closed” barrier that may be posted to warn you of danger.

This solution applies to anyone attempting to walk or wade through flowing water. As little
as 6 inches of rapidly moving water can sweep you off your feet.

Consider carefully where you camp and/or park your vehicle along a stream or wash, especially
during threatening conditions

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

Finally, know when you are at risk! Keep abreast of the latest weather watches and warnings
from the National Weather Service with the NOAA Weather Radio Aili Hazards or through
your favorite news source.

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)

and Standard Highway Signs (SHS) book contain provisions
for this type of incident warning sign, including size of the
tegen, colors, and shape. State and local highway agencies
should warn motorists of temporary flooding conditions by
using signs such as this. For further information, both the

MUTCD and SHS can be found at: http://mutcd. fhwa.dot.gov,

In addition to NWS watches and warnings, road condition information during adverse
weather is widely available from State Departments of Transportation. This information can
be found on websites or by phone. Go to http://www. fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/index.htm to
get to this information online. Or, call 511 to get travel condition information. The 511 service
is being deployed across the country to enable travelers to make better choices—choices
of time, mode of transportation, or route.

FOR REAL TIME FORECASTS AND WARNINGS TO SAVE
LIVES AND PROPERTY, VISIT WWW.WEATHER.GOV