Flooding is a coast-to-coast threat to some parts of the United States and its territories nearly every day of the year. Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Here in Wichita Falls, Texas, we have our fair share of flash flooding. Floods may:
- Result from rain, snow, overflows of dams, and other water systems.
- Develop slowly or quickly. Flash Floods can come with no warning.
- Cause outages disrupt transportation, damage buildings, and create landslides.
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| Flooding can happen year-round. | Do not drive in floodwaters. |
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| 6 in. of flowing water can knock a person over. | 12 in. of moving, water can sweep a vehicle away. |
Flood Advisory: Be Aware: An Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
Flood Watch: Be Prepared: A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.- Before a Flood
- During a Flood
- After a Flood
- Turn Around, Don't Drown
Be Weather-Ready: Check the forecast regularly to see if you're at risk for floods. Listen to local news or check the Norman National Weather Service website to stay informed about flood watches and warnings.
Download MSU Safety App: Safety starts with you! Download the MSU Safety app available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. The app lets you have access to critical information right in your hand when it matters most.
Know Your Risk: Look around and be informed about low-water crossings and flood-prone areas.
Sign up for MSUAlerts: The number one way to receive an emergency alert from MSU Texas is through an MSU Alert. Visit MSU ALERT for more information on how to sign up and keep your information up to date.
Build or Re-Stock Your Kit: Have critical items to help you survive before help arrives. During large-scale disasters, help could be delayed.
Stay Weather-Ready: Continue to listen to local news and the National Weather Service to stay updated about flood watches and warnings. View Texas river, streams, and creek flood gauges at TexasFlood.org
Get to Higher Ground: If you are in an area that is flood-prone, get to higher ground immediately.
Obey Evacuation Orders: If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
Avoid Flood Waters: Don't walk through floodwaters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible. Do NOT drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade; Turn Around, Don't Drown! Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide hazards such as sharp objects, washed-out road surfaces, electrical wires, chemicals, etc.
Stay Informed: Continue to listen to local news or the National Weather Service to stay updated about flood watches and warnings. Multiple rounds of thunderstorms capable of producing torrential rains are possible during severe weather outbreaks.
Avoid Flood Waters: Don't walk through floodwaters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible. Do NOT drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade; Turn Around, Don't Drown! Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide hazards such as sharp objects, washed-out road surfaces, electrical wires, chemicals, etc.
Avoid Disaster Areas: Do not visit disaster areas. Your presence may hamper rescue and other emergency operations.
Heed Road Closed and Cautionary Signs: Road closure and other cautionary signs are put in place for your safety. Pay attention to them!
Wait for the All Clear: Do not enter a flood-damaged home or building until you're given the 'all-clear' by authorities. If you enter a flood-damaged building, be extremely careful. Water can cause floors to collapse, ceilings to fall, etc.
Contact Your Family and Loved Ones: Let your family and close friends know that you're okay, so they can help spread the word. Text messages or social media are more reliable forms of communication than phone calls.
FACT: Texas leads the nation in flood-related deaths.
FACT: Most of those deaths happened in a vehicle.
FACT: When driving through floodwaters it only takes 12 in. to move a vehicle.
FACT: You don't know what is under that water! There might not be a road!
FACT: You are endangering the first responder's lives as well as yours if you drive in the floodwaters.
FACT: You can get a fine for disobeying flood water barricades.
FACT: It's not worth it. Turn Around, Don't Drown.
