WIDESPREAD RIVER FLOODING PLAGUES PORTIONS OF SOUTHERN U.S.

March 12, 2001 — A recurring pattern of winter storms and severe thunderstorms has produced heavy rainfall from Texas to Georgia causing widespread flooding along many streams, bayous and mainstream rivers in the south. Since October, precipitation totals ranged from 16 to 40 inches in portions of Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. According NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, those totals averaged 1.5 to 4 times the normal precipitation for the region. (Click NOAA image for larger view.)

During the extended period of heavy rainfall, NOAA National Weather Service Forecast Offices issued hundreds of flood warnings for river forecast points throughout the region. With the saturated soils and high stream flow, the potential for additional flooding in the region remains above average.

So far, the flood waters have impacted agricultural lands, campgrounds, roadways and affected or threatened hundreds of homes. The Sulphur River in Texas collapsed a railroad trestle causing a train derailment (no injuries reported). In Georgia, one man was missing after his raft overturned in a swollen creek and another was swept away and drowned after his jeep stalled in flood waters.

Flash floods and river floods in the U.S. kill more people than any other weather-related event. "We certainly see a large share of the flood deaths, and the tragedy is that they are probably the most preventable of all weather-related fatalities," said Bill Proenza, director of the NWS for the southern U.S. (Click NOAA map to view larger image.)

While the number of fatalities can vary dramatically with weather conditions from year to year, the national 30-year average for flood deaths is 127. That compares with a
30-year average of 73 deaths for lightning, 68 for tornadoes and 16 for hurricanes.

National Weather Service data also shows:

• Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle-related
• The majority of victims are males
• Flood deaths affect all age groups

Flash Floods
Most flash floods are caused by slow moving thunderstorms, thunderstorms that move repeatedly over the same area or heavy rains from tropical storms and hurricanes. These floods can develop within minutes or hours depending on the intensity and duration of the rain, the topography, soil conditions and ground cover.

River Floods
River floods are generally the result of major widespread rain systems. Spring or winter rains, compounded by major runoff, may fill river basins too quickly sending flood waters over river banks and levies. Torrential rain from tropical systems or decaying hurricanes may also produce river flooding.

Coastal Floods
Intense offshore low pressure systems or strong winds generated by tropical storms and hurricanes often drive storm surges inland producing severe flooding. Tidal wave flooding may also be caused by earthquakes or volcanic activity.

Urban Floods
These floods are the result of runoff due to urbanization. Every time a field or a woodland becomes a parking lot or housing project the soil loses its capacity to absorb rainfall.

Being weatherwise and prepared are the best defenses against deadly floods. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for National Weather Service flood watches, warnings and advisories. Watches are issued when flooding is possible in the area. Warnings mean flooding has been reported or is imminent. Advisories indicate that flooding of streams, streets, storm drains or low-lying areas is actually occurring.

When flood waters threaten:

• Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding
• Never drive over a flooded road (only two feet of water can float most cars)
• Keep children away from high water, storm drains or viaducts

After the flood:

• Boil drinking water
• Throw away flood contaminated food
• Avoid disaster areas
• Check and dry electrical equipment before using
• Light the way with flashlights—not candles or matches
• Report broken power lines immediately

Flooding may be one of nature's leading killers, but you don't have to be one of the victims. Knowing your flood risk and taking the proper precautions is the best way to avoid becoming a weather statistic.

Relevant Web Sites
NOAA's River Forecast Centers

USA Regional Climate Maps — See the latest precipitation and temperature summaries

NOAA's National Weather Service

NOAA's Hydrometeorological Prediction Center

The following National Weather Service Web sites are available to provide up-to-the-minute winter weather information.

Current winter storm watches, warnings and temperatures across the United States

National forecasts that extend from three to 14 days in advance

Map showing the latest conditions over the United States

NOAA's Weather Page — includes latest satellite images and weather maps

NOAA's National Weather Service Office of Climate, Water, and Weather Services

NOAA Weather Radio

Media Contact:
Ron Trumbla, NOAA's National Weather Service Southern Region, (817) 978-1111 ext. 140

 

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