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Public Information Statement National Weather Service State College PA 615 AM EDT Mon Mar 18 2024
The National Weather Service has declared March 18th through March 22nd to be Flood Awareness Week in Pennsylvania.
Today`s topic: Flood Preparedness.
Is flooding really that big of a deal?
Flooding causes more damage in the United States than any other weather related event, an average of 5.2 billion dollars per year over the past 20 years. Flooding can occur in any of the 50 states or US territories during any time of the year. Flooding is a coast-to-coast threat to some part of the United States and its territories nearly every day of the year. If you know what to do before, during, and after a flood you can increase your chances of survival and better protect your property. For instance, it is vital to know what to do if you are driving and reach a flooded road. Here you will find an interactive flood map, information describing the different types of flooding, and educational material. You will also learn how the National Weather Service keeps you aware of potentially dangerous flooding situations through alerts and warnings.
Learn how to better protect yourself and your family by reading our flood survivor stories. If you, or someone you know, have been a victim of a flood, please share your story so we can prevent others from becoming a victim. When you write, please note that NWS has permission to use your story and, if possible, let us know the town and state you were in and the year the event took place.
How can I find out if I am in danger from a flood?
Local news, television, and social media are all good ways to receive flood alerts and flooding information. NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards is one of the best ways to receive warnings from the National Weather Service. NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather and river information directly from local NWS offices. The AHPS web page identifies where river flooding is occurring with a transition to the NWPS website upcoming on March 27th. After this transition, you can find this information at water.noaa.gov. The AHPS webpage will become inactive on May 26, 2024.
Is there anything I can do to prepare for a flood?
Information on how you can reduce potential flood damage and what to include in a family disaster plan can be obtained from the American Red Cross. The NWS works with, and relies on, strategic partners involved in floodplain management, flood hazard mitigation, and flood preparedness to reduce the loss of life and property due to floods.
When flooding threatens, listen to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite media outlet for warnings and statements. These warnings and statements contain information about specific locations that will be impacted and the impacts that are expected due to the flooding.
Another way to be prepared before flooding occurs in your area is by obtaining flood insurance.
Why do I need flood insurance? Flood losses are not covered by your homeowners insurance policy. Local flooding can happen in all parts of the country at almost any time of the year. Flooding causes more damage in the United States than any other weather related event, averaging 5.2 billion dollars per year over the past 20 years.
How do I obtain a flood insurance policy? You can purchase national flood insurance from private insurance companies and agents. Currently, there are over 100 insurance companies that sell national flood insurance coverage through some sixty- thousand independent insurance agents.
If a seller of a property has flood insurance coverage on the building, that policy can be assigned to the buyer at the time of closing. If a mortgage company requires flood insurance as a condition of the loan, the lender may escrow flood insurance premiums, making it easy to ensure that you will not get caught without flood insurance when a flood threatens your home.
Who can purchase flood insurance? Anyone in a community that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program can purchase building and...or contents coverage, with a few exceptions. Coastal barrier resources system areas, otherwise protected areas, and buildings principally below ground or entirely over water are not eligible for national flood insurance.
You can find out if you can get flood insurance at the flood smart.gov website. Just fill out the flood risk profile for the location you are concerned about.
Topics for the rest of flood awareness week: Tuesday: Turn Around Don`t Drown. Wednesday: Flood Information. Thursday: Flooding Causes and Severity. Friday: Flood alerts.
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Public Report Maps |
When we obtain reports from across the region - whether from spotters, the general public, or solicited information from people like PennDOT or Emergency Personnel - we quality-check the data. We then try to issue Public Information Statements that summarize this information. |
Co-Op Station Observations |
Once per day (usually around 7 am) more than 100 people across Central Pennsylvania send the NWS an observation covering the past 24 hours. Most report rain and snow totals. See More NWS Co-Operative Observation Maps here. |
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All NWS State College Text Statements/Forecasts:
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