Prepare Yourself: Here Come Flash Floods

iStockphoto.com | Herianus

Because blistering temperatures that prompt excessive heat warnings and severe, wake-you-up-in-the-middle-of-the-night thunderstorms weren’t bad enough this week, Mother Nature is bringing additional flash floods and heavy storms our way today.

So heavy, in fact, that Mayor Jim Kenney released a warning urging residents and those in town for the Democratic National Convention to take caution this afternoon.

A flash-flood watch for the area will begin at 2 p.m. today and end at 7 p.m. on Friday, and thunderstorms are expected. “Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation,” Kenney said in the statement. “Whether you’re driving, walking or riding, we urge you to stay clear of potentially flooded roadways and seek shelter during heavy rains.”

Those near the DNC can seek shelter from storms and flash floods in the two medic tents and misting tents set up in FDR Park, where protesters were drenched during a rather epic storm on Monday.

Advice from Kenney’s statement:

• Do not drive around barriers that warn of a flooded road
• 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.
• 12 inches can carry away a small car.
• It is NEVER safe to walk or drive into flood waters.
• Thunderstorms produce lightning storms that can prove fatal as well.
• NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area.
• If you hear thunder, lighting is close enough to strike you. When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter: a substantial building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up.
• Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.

The city has also dispersed homeless outreach teams to assist those seeking shelter during storms. If you see people homeless and at risk during bad weather, you can call an outreach team at 215-232-1984.

Flash flooding has caused more fatalities than any other thunderstorm-related threat, according to the National Weather Service.

Follow @ClaireSasko on Twitter.