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High water and
Flooding Information from
Virginia Department of Transportation
Who should I call if I get stranded in a flooded area?
The best thing to do is to avoid areas that are subject to flooding.
However, in our region, there are many flood prone areas. If you come
upon a flowing stream, turn around and go another way.
Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road. Its depth is not obvious
and the roadbed may have washed out. Be especially careful at night,
when depth perception is least effective.
TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!
I see people driving through water all the time. What's the big deal?
Rapidly rising water may engulf your vehicle and sweep it away.
According to the National Weather Service, two feet of water will carry away most automobiles. And, nearly half of
all flash flood fatalities are automobile-based.
FEMA (Federal
Emergency Management Agency)
 Driving Flood Facts
The following are important points to remember when driving in flood
conditions:
Six inches of water will reach
the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and
possible stalling.
A foot of water will float many
vehicles.
Two feet of rushing water can
carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles
(SUV’s) and pick-ups.
NOAA (National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
How can a foot or two of water cost you your life?
Water weighs 62.4 lbs. per cubic
foot and typically flows downstream at 6 to 12 miles an hour.
When a vehicle stalls in the
water, the water's momentum is transferred to the car. For each
foot the water rises, 500 lbs. of lateral force are applied to
the car.
But the biggest factor is
buoyancy. For each foot the water rises up the side of the car,
the car displaces 1,500 lbs. of water. In effect, the car weighs
1,500 lbs. less for each foot the water rises.
Two feet of water will
carry away most automobiles.
REMEMBER – If you are concerned about being
delayed or disrupted from reaching your destination, IF YOU DROWN you
won’t get there at all.
Pictures and graphic courtesy of the
National
Weather Service
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