Chicago, IL – In alignment with Illinois’ Severe Weather Preparedness Week, the National Weather Service in Chicago focuses on the swift and often underestimated danger of flash flooding. Today’s theme spotlights the need for rapid response to this fast-acting natural threat.
According to experts, flash floods can occur within minutes of heavy rainfall, melting snow, or dam breaches, turning roads and paths into impassable waterways. Vehicles can become inoperative with just one foot of water, and two feet of rushing water can carry most cars away. The Weather Service stresses the importance of immediate evacuation to higher ground if flooding begins, as well as the perils of attempting to navigate or exit vehicles in flood conditions.
Residents are reminded to enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on their phones to receive instant flood warnings. They are also encouraged to visit weather.gov/safety/flood and weather.gov/lot/severeprepare for comprehensive resources on flood safety and preparedness.
