 The National Weather Service (NWS) is putting a heavy emphasis on the potential for major flooding late this week through the weekend. NWS is forecasting rainfall totals ranging from 6 to 10 inches across southern Indiana and the northwestern portion of central Kentucky, which includes the Louisville Metro area.
Flash flooding can cause rivers and streams to rise swiftly, pushing water onto roadways. Six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet and cause vehicles to lose control and stall, and as little as 12 inches of moving floodwater can be enough to carry a vehicle away.
Here are some tips to stay safe and avoid flood dangers:
- Turn around, don’t drown! – Driving through flooded roadways can be deadly. Turn around if you come across a flooded path.
- Make a family emergency communication plan that includes pets.
- Assemble an emergency kit for home, work and the car.
- Stay informed: Tune in to local officials by radio, TV or social media.
- Sign up to receive emergency notifications via “LENSAlert.” It’s as simple as texting “LENSAlert” to 67283.
- Evacuate when advised by authorities or if you are in a flood-prone area. Get to higher ground.
- Check on your neighbors to make sure they’re OK.
- After a flood, avoid walking in floodwaters, disaster areas and heed road closure and cautionary signs. Stay away from electrical utility equipment and wait for the “all clear” before returning to a location impacted by flooding.
For more flood safety tips visit Ready.gov and Weather.gov. |
