Watch the road for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of possible debris flows. Embankments along roadsides are particularly susceptible to landslides and mudflows. Slopes that have been altered for construction of buildings and roads.ĭuring and after intense storms, be especially alert when driving. Steep slopes and areas at the bottom of slopes or canyons. Areas where landslides have occurred before.
Areas where wildfires or human modification of the land have destroyed vegetation. Geological Survey, the conditions that make mudflows most likely are: The CDC reports that an average of 25-50 people are killed by landslides each year in the U.S. They usually start on steep hillsides as soil slumps or slides that liquefy and accelerate to speeds as great as 35 miles per hour. Mudflows generally occur during intense rainfall on water-saturated soil. A mudflow is a landslide that is combined with up to 60 percent water. A short walk or climb to higher ground may just save your life.Ī landslide is rocks, earth, or other materials moving down a slope. Know your escape routes and act as quickly as possible. If you are in a drainage area or other low spots, walk or climb to higher ground. When a Flash Flood Warning is issued-Take Action! Flooding is likely or already occurring in your area. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks.
It takes only 6 inches of fast-moving flood water to knock over and carry away an adult. People underestimate the power and force of water. The road may have collapsed under that water. Turn Around Don’t Drown! Don’t drive into flood waters. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. While the number of fatalities can vary dramatically with weather conditions from year to year, the national 30-year average for flood deaths is 88 per year in the U.S. Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. Their situation may become dangerous if they encounter high, fast moving water while traveling. It occurs so quickly that many people are caught off-guard. Flash flooding is most often due to extremely heavy rainfall from thunderstorms. Take shelter in a substantial building.Ī flash flood is a rapid rise in water levels along rivers, creeks, arroyos, or even normally dry land areas. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. When a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued- Take Action! Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle. Stay in the vehicle and turn on emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Do not use electronic equipment connected to an electrical outlet. Avoid showering, bathing, or washing dishes during a storm. Lightning has the ability to send electricity through the plumbing and wiring if your building is struck. Lightning can also injure individuals who are inside their home during a thunderstorm approximately one-third of lightning-strike injuries occur indoors. The NWS recommends staying inside for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder clap.
#Weather outside windows#
Safe shelters include homes, offices, shopping centers, and hard-top vehicles with the windows rolled up. Find a safe, enclosed shelter when you hear thunder. When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! Many lightning victims are caught outside during a storm because they did not act promptly to get to a safe place, or they go back outside too soon after a storm has passed. If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to pose an immediate threat. According to National Weather Service Storm Data, an average of 182 people are injured and 33 people are killed each year by lightning in the U.S. Thunderstorms are dangerous storms that produce heavy rain and lightning, and are capable of producing powerful wind gusts and flash floods. Let’s take a look at some of the hazards that summer weather can bring and what you need to do to stay safe and be weather-ready. Thunderstorms produce dangerous lightning and heavy rain. Summer also holds significant weather hazards.
But don’t let the sunny days and warm nights fool you. Summer is a great time to be outside and enjoy the weather. By Greg Chadwick, Air Force Materiel Command Health & Wellness Team
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