Flash Flood Watch and Warning Defined

A Flash Flood Watch is issued when flash flooding conditions -- a rapid and extreme flow of high water into a normally dry area or a rapid water level rise in a body of water due to intense rainfall, dam failure or ice jam -- are favorable.

A Flash Flood Warning is issued when flash flooding is occurring or imminent.

Residents living in low-lying areas or near a body or water should listen to the local radio and TV stations for continuous updates. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.

Safety tips:

• Avoid walking through floodwater
• swiftly moving water 6 inches can sweep you off your feet.
• Do not drive through flooded areas; it only takes 2 feet of water to carry away most automobiles.
• If the car stalls while in the water abandon the car and find higher ground.
• Turn Around, Don`t Drown

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Source: National Weather Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency