**Top 5 Things You Need to Know About the Flash Flood Warning Issued for Your Area**

Top 5 Things You Need to Know About the Flash Flood Warning Issued for Your Area

• This is NOT a drill. A Flash Flood Warning means flooding is imminent or already occurring. Unlike a “watch” (which means conditions are possible), a warning means you need to act now. The National Weather Service has confirmed that rapid, life-threatening flooding is happening or about to happen in your specific zone.
• The biggest killer is moving water. You can’t outrun a surge just inches deep. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet, and 12 inches can sweep away a small car. Never, ever drive, walk, or swim through flood waters—even a small puddle can hide a missing road or a powerful current.
• Your shelter strategy flips. Typically, we seek higher ground, but during a flash flood warning, you must get to the highest floor or roof of your current building. Do not go into a basement or underground garage. Turn around, don’t drown—but first, climb up.
• The window of danger is tiny. Flash floods can develop in minutes (not hours) after heavy rain. Even if it stops raining where you are, a wall of water could be rushing down from upstream. The warning is typically in effect for only a few hours, but the aftermath—like submerged roads—can be lethal days later.
• Your phone is your lifeline. Turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and check your local news/NOAA radio. The National Weather Service uses specific polygon warnings (not just county-wide) to pinpoint your street. If you hear a siren or get a push alert, treat it like a fire alarm: stop, listen, and move to safety immediately.