ZCZC PWMWRKPNS DEF TTAA00 KPWM DDHHMM MEZ007>009-012>014-018>022-023>028-NHZ001>010-013-014-071200 PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GRAY ME 700 AM EDT FRI MAY 06 2011 The National Weather Service has declared the week of May 2nd through May 6th, SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK in New England. This is the last in a series of five Public Information State- ments on various topics related to severe weather awareness. Tragically, last week's tornadoes in the southeastern United States have highlighted the deadly threat caused by nature's most violent storms. The National Weather Service encourages the public to become more aware of those threats so they can act appropriately when severe storms threaten. ...SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS - FLOODS AND FLASH FLOODS... In addition to lightning, high winds, hail, and tornadoes, summertime thunderstorms also bring the threat of flooding and flash flooding to northern New England. In the summertime, most flash floods are caused by heavy, slowly moving thunderstorms which can produce excessive rainfall in an area in just a short period of time. In addition to the rainfall, topography, soil conditions, and ground cover help determine how much of the rainfall soaks into the ground and how much of the rainfall runs off into streams and rivers. Nationwide, floods and flash floods are the greatest storm- related killer, claiming the lives of about 90 people annually. Similar to the rest of the nation, floods and flash floods are the number one storm-related killer in New England. In addition, floods and flash floods are responsible for a considerable amount of public and private property damage. As little as 2 feet of water will float most cars and small trucks. If your vehicle begins to float, you lose complete control over the vehicle. If your vehicle stalls in a flooded roadway, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. The water may sweep the vehicle and its occupants away. Dam failures can also lead to floods or flash floods. While not always caused by the weather, dam failures can lead to extremely fast rises in river and stream levels. Here are several fatal flood and flash flood events that occurred in Maine and New Hampshire since 1996. Mar 13 1996 Alton, New Hampshire - A catastrophic failure of an earthen dam on Meadows Pond caused a flash flood downstream of the dam. A women who was trying to flee the flood waters in her pickup truck drowned after her vehicle was washed off the roadway and into a ravine. Jul 13 1996 Bristol, New Hampshire - Three to four inches of rain from the remnants of Hurricane Bertha caused many small rivers and streams to flood. A 10- year old boy playing in the rain-swollen Newfound River was swept to his death. Oct 21 1996 Scarborough, Maine - Four to 19 inches of rain caused very serious flooding in New Hampshire and western Maine. One man drowned when he drove his car into a flooded roadway. Unknown to the man, the road had already been washed away. Mar 31 1998 Franklin County, Maine - Snowmelt, caused by record-breaking warmth, combined with recent rainfall to cause many rivers and streams to rise. One man drowned when he drove his truck into a flooded roadway. Jun 27 1998 Bridgewater, New Hampshire - Heavy, slow-moving thunderstorms caused the Baker River and it's tributaries to rise rapidly. One man drowned when he was sucked into a culvert while attempting to clear debris from the culvert. A second man was injured. Apr 16 2007 Lebanon, Maine - A woman and her 4-year old granddaughter that she was carrying were swept to their death as they attempted to cross a flooded roadway on foot. Aug 07 2008 Ashland, New Hampshire - A 7-year-old girl drowned when a bridge washed away as her family tried to drive out of a flooded campground. To alert the public to the threat of flooding, the National Weather Service issues FLOOD AND FLASH FLOOD WATCHES and WARNINGS. A FLOOD WATCH indicates flooding/flash flooding is possible, and is usually issued in anticipation of heavy rainfall. A FLOOD/FLASH FLOOD WARNING indicates that flooding is imminent or is already occurring. If you hear that a FLOOD/FLASH FLOOD WARNING has been issued for your area, move immediately to higher ground if flood waters threaten. Here are some flood/flash flood facts and safety tips. * Never drive a car into a flooded roadway. More than Half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle related. * Keep away from streams during heavy rainfall events. Swiftly moving water is extremely powerful and can Easily overpower a person. * Keep children inside and away from flooded streets, culverts, and streams. * Report any flooding to the appropriate authorities. * If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. * Obey all road blocks and barriers, even if the flooding has receded. Flood waters may have undercut the road surface or left dangerous debris in the roadway. * If you live in a flood prone area, have a plan in case the water starts rising quickly. $$ Jensenius National Weather Service Gray, Maine NNNN