Greatest Threat From Severe Weather - Flooding.

Written by: Brian Neudorff

This week is Severe Weather Awareness week in Western New York, and we will continue by talking about the weather hazard that poses the greatest threat to lives and property for New Yorkers, flooding. Excessive rainfall in the spring and summer of 2004 caused widespread flooding over much of New York. Roads and driveways were washed out. Some homes were destroyed by mudslides and others were heavily damaged. There were large financial losses to agriculture as fields and orchards were saturated. Particularly hard hit was Naples, Ontario County on May 20-21. In all, over a dozen counties were declared eligible for federal and state disaster public assistance funds.

Flooding can actually take place all year round during the late winter and early spring from snow melt and even in the late summer and fall from the remnants of tropical systems. Flooding is a serious threat at any time of year. If you live in a flood prone area, you must always be prepared.

You should be prepared for the possibility of flooding whenever a Flood Watch is in effect. Make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas. The potential loss of electricity would make gasoline pumps inoperable. Know your evacuation routes in advance in case you have to leave the area. Make arrangements for a place to stay if you are forced to leave your home, whether at a shelter or a relative's home.

You must act quickly when a Flash Flood Warning is in effect for your community. If you live near a river or stream, move to higher ground, but never drive across a flooded road. The water may be hiding a road washout, or the current may be strong enough to sweep your vehicle away. If your car stalls, leave it immediately and move to higher ground. Finally, be especially cautious at night since it's harder to recognize flood dangers. Unfortunately, many flash floods occur at night when it is tougher to see.