Each year flooding kills more than 100 people in the U.S, more than half of those deaths take place in cars, and most of those deaths are avoidable.
More people die annually from flash floods than lightning, tornadoes or even hurricanes.
The National Weather Service has modernized its forecast and warning program, but better forecasts and earlier warnings won't help prevent loss of life and property without people taking appropriate action. Several nations are already sold on the capabilities of NWS hydrologic forecasting. For several years NOAA has been sharing its latest river forecasting techniques with Egypt and China, helping those countries better manage their water resources and improve their ability to forecast floods and droughts. NOAA's National Weather Service is also working with Mexico, Panama and South Africa on similar projects. Accurate and timely prediction of river flows leads to reduction of flood losses and more efficient water use during droughts.