The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch in parts of Maryland beginning at 2 p.m. Friday and continuing until 2 p.m. Saturday.
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Baltimore, Harford, Anne Arundel, Queen Anne’s and Cecil Counties are under the Flash Flood Watch, which means conditions are favorable for flash flooding to occur.
Up to four inches of rain could hit the area by Sunday morning.
The Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management released the following tips on how to stay safe:
- If a Flash Flood Warning is issued, act immediately - Don't wait for high water to dictate your course of action.
- Know your location when you’re driving - If you needed rescue, would you be able to direct emergency crews to your location? Distracted driving can lead to a situation where you are stranded and unable to direct emergency crews to you. Be alert!
- Never drive through a flooded road or bridge. Back up and try a different route - It only takes less than a foot of water to incapacitate a vehicle. It may stall, leaving you stranded, and depending on the level of water, you may not be able to open a vehicle door. Do not underestimate the power of moving water.
- Stay on high ground - If your car is trapped, get out if you can safety do so. Move to higher ground. If you're driving through a hilly area or place that is subject to flooding along a stream and hear a Flash Flood Warning, go to high ground. Never try to outrun a flash flood.
- Watch for flooding at bridges and dips in the road - Never drive where water is over bridges or roads; turn around! The bridges or the road could suddenly be washed out. If you're driving at night be especially careful. Often, visibility is limited due to wind and rain. If you should drive into water, don't try to drive out of it. Get out of the car and safely return to higher ground.
If you have to walk or wade through flood water, use a stick to poke the ground in front of you with each step. It can help you determine water levels, the bottom surface and the safest possible way to get to higher ground. Remember that flash floods can come without warning, and sometimes without weather.
According to FEMA, six inches of water can reach the bottom of most cars, causing drivers to lose control and possibly stall.
Also, a foot of water has the potential to float cars. Two feet of rushing water can carry most cars away, including SUVs and pick-up trucks. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
