Monitor NOAA All Hazards Radio or your favorite news source for vital weather information.
- If flooding occurs, get to higher ground, away from areas subject to flooding.
- Avoid areas already flooded and do not attempt to cross flowing streams.
- Do not drive around barriers that warn you the road is flooded.
Some cities and counties will issue a fine to motorists who ignore barriers!
- Never drive through flooded roadways as road beds may be washed out under flood waters.
- If your vehicle is suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, if there is a threat of flooding. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
Flood Watch: A flood or flash flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding or flash flooding to develop.
Flash Flood Warning: A warning is issued when rapid flooding is imminent. Flash floods quickly develop within six hours of a heavy rainfall event.
Urban/Small Stream Flood Advisory (issued as a Flood Statement): These statements are issued when minor flooding problems are expected, mostly in flood prone urban areas or near small streams that may rise quickly out of their banks. Even minor flooding can cause huge problems if proper precautions are not taken.
Flood Warning: These warnings are issued for river floods. River flooding mostly occurs with longer periods of rain which result in slower rises in flood waters and a prolonged flood event.