Hail, Damaging Winds, and Tornadoes Possible Monday

Severe thunderstorms on Monday will be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, hail, and tornadoes. While the entire region will have a potential, the highest potential will be east of the Blue Ridge. A lesser risk of severe storms will be possible Sunday afternoon and evening for far southwest VA and northwest NC. These storms will be capable of localized damaging winds or an isolated tornado. Read More >

Flooding Safety (Camping and Hiking) Infographics

Flood Warning vs Watch

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Flowing Water Depth

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Flash Flooding Can Escalate Quickly

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vigilanica de inundatciÃ³n versus aviso de inundatciÃ³n

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Camping Safety Tips

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Flood Safety: Key Points for Camping and Hiking

Frequent Facts

Most flash flood fatalities occur at night and most victims are people who become trapped in automobiles
Six inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet; a depth of two feet will cause most vehicles to float
Flooding can occur any time of the year
Heavy rainfall can bring a danger of flash flooding, but sometimes even light/moderate rainfall can trigger dangerous floods -- Dry streambeds can become raging torrents in minutes with no rain in sight!
Heavy rain can cause debris flows especially in hilly or mountainous terrain. Soil gives way and slides downhill picking up branches, trees, and rocks -- Debris flow can completely destroy campsites and bury campers in a matter of minutes!

Preparedness Information

Avoid walking, swimming, or driving in flood waters
Check the weather forecast before leaving for outdoor trips
Watch for signs of approaching storms
In hilly terrain, flash floods can strike with little or no advance warning -- Distant rain may be channeled into gullies and ravines, turning a quiet stream into a rampaging torrent in minutes -- Never camp on low ground next to streams since a flash flood can catch you while you're asleep
If you come upon flood waters, stop, turn around, and go another way. Climb to higher ground
If a campground’s alarm system relies on electricity, have an alternate method to notify campers in case of power failure
NOAA Weather Radio is the only direct means to receive warnings from the National Weather Service
Whether you’re on the road or camping, will you be ready for sudden flash flooding? Most flash flood warnings will not trigger Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone. Make sure you are receiving warnings: www.weather.gov/subscribe
If flooding occurs while you’re outdoors, immediately get to higher ground, and NEVER enter floodwaters in a vehicle or on foot
What’s the fastest way to escape to higher ground? Are nearby roads likely to flood blocking evacuation routes?
Are you planning to camp or hike near a stream or river? Remember that it doesn’t have to rain directly over you for there to be flooding -- If you notice even a slight rise in water level, seek higher ground immediately!

When hiking, follow these steps:

Wait for everyone in the crew to arrive at the stream, and make a determination to cross
Do not walk through a flowing stream on foot where water is above your ankles
When walking through or on rocks or logs over a stream, loosen pack buckles so if you fall you can easily get away from your pack and it will not drag you under
Wait for everyone to cross before continuing (in case the last person needs assistance)

Watch and Warning Definitions

Flood Watch: Flooding is possible in your area. Remain alert for quickly rising water. Know what counties or parishes are in the watch area by listening to NOAA Weather Radio or your local radio/television outlets
Flash Flood Warning: Flash flooding is imminent or has already been reported. Move to higher ground immediately.