NC/SC Severe Weather Awareness Week: Flash Flood Safety

March 12, 2021

Nicole Madden,

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Flooding At Hiddenite Campground
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Flooding At Hiddenite Campground
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Flooding At Hiddenite Campground
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Flooding At Hiddenite Campground
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Flooding At Hiddenite Campground
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Flooding At Hiddenite Campground
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Flooding At Hiddenite Campground
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Flooding At Hiddenite Campground
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A Charlotte Fire Department Swift Water Rescue member escorts a dog from apartments during flooding along Wakefield Drive in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020. (David T. Foster III/The Charlotte Observer via AP)
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A vehicle is submerged in floodwater on Freedom Drive in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020. Tropical Storm Eta dumped blustery rain across north Florida after landfall Thursday morning north of the heavily populated Tampa Bay area, and then sped out into the Atlantic off of the neighboring coasts of Georgia and the Carolinas. (Jeff Siner/The Charlotte Observer via AP)
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Traffic is rerouted to avoid the flooded Sugar Creek across W. Arrowood Road in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020. (David T. Foster III/The Charlotte Observer via AP)
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A Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer blocks West Blvd. from local traffic as floodwater blocks the road in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020. Tropical Storm Eta dumped blustery rain across north Florida after landfall Thursday morning north of the heavily populated Tampa Bay area, and then sped out into the Atlantic off of the neighboring coasts of Georgia and the Carolinas. (Jeff Siner/The Charlotte Observer via AP)
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Flooding On Riverside Dr
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Flooding On Riverside Dr
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Flooding on I-85 near Charlotte Airport 3 – Photo Credit – Fred Roseman Jr.
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Kannapolis Flooding
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Flooding In Iredell County – Photo Credit – Iredell Fire Wire
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Atando at North Tryon, CFD Photographer David Flower 6
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Atando at North Tryon, CFD Photographer David Flower 5
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Atando at North Tryon, CFD Photographer David Flower 11
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Atando at North Tryon, CFD Photographer David Flower 1
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Atando at North Tryon, CFD Photographer David Flower 13
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Atando at North Tryon, CFD Photographer David Flower 15
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Atando at North Tryon, CFD Photographer David Flower 18
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Atando at North Tryon, CFD Photographer David Flower 21
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Atando at North Tryon, CFD Photographer David Flower 23
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Flooding at Hiddenite Family Campground
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Flooding On Central Ave At Masonic
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Flooding In Fort Mill 2
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Cars Submerged In Flood Waters In Northeast Charlotte
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Flood monitoring system at Mallard Creek Greenway
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Cars Flooded in Parking Lot at Corvian Community School
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Flooding on Research Drive in NE Charlotte
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David Taylor Drive in Northeast Charlotte Flooded

Over the past decade, there have been more than 1000 flash floods in the Carolinas. And for the majority of the WCCB viewing area, it is the most common and most expensive natural disaster our community faces.

Flash flooding usually occurs in this area after heavy amounts of rain over a short period of time. Think of the ground like a sponge. A sponge can only soak up so much water. Once rain rates exceed what the ground, run-off areas or streams and creeks hit their max – they will begin to overflow leading to flash flooding. Most flash floods occur in low-lying areas where water can collect, or in more urban areas with lots of concrete where storm drains fill quickly.

It is important to know your surroundings at all times and if your home is in a flood plain. You can find more information about the flooding threat to your home here.

More people die from floods than any other natural disaster with most deaths occurring in cars. It takes just 6 inches of water to sweep you off your feet, but more shockingly just 18 inches of water could move most SUVs. Never cross a flooded area. Not only is it hard to tell how deep the water is, but it is also impossible to know the condition of the road underneath of the water. Never drive around traffic barricades that close flooded roads. Turn around and find an alternate route.

PHOTOS | Massive Flooding Reported Throughout North Carolina And South Carolina

If you are ever in a flash flood warned area, move to higher ground immediately. If your car becomes surrounded by rising floodwaters that are not moving or more than a few inches deep, abandon the car immediately. If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving rising floodwater, DO NOT leave the vehicle. Call for help. If water enters the vehicle climb to the roof.

Be aware of your surroundings when camping. Never camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers, or creeks, especially during threatening weather.

When and where flash flooding occurs can be unpredictable, especially during thunderstorms. Having a reliable way to get weather alerts is crucial. The WCCB Weather App will bring you any and all-weather alerts as soon as they are issued. Download today and stay WeatherWise.