{"id":8976,"date":"2016-10-07T16:05:20","date_gmt":"2016-10-07T20:05:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/currents\/?p=8976"},"modified":"2024-05-02T15:19:25","modified_gmt":"2024-05-02T19:19:25","slug":"preparing-for-hazardous-weather-before-and-during-a-flood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/currents\/2016\/10\/preparing-for-hazardous-weather-before-and-during-a-flood\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing for Hazardous Weather: Before and During a Flood"},"content":{"rendered":"

In addition to high wind, hurricanes, tropical storms and tropical depressions can produce life-threatening storm surge, heavy rainfall and flooding. According to the National Hurricane Center, 88 percent of all deaths in the U.S. from these weather events are a result of storm surge, rainfall flooding, high surf, and deaths just offshore (within 50 nautical miles of the coast). With Hurricane Matthew\u00a0threatening the east coast, make sure you know what to do before, during and after<\/a> the storm to keep you and your family safe from these threatening conditions.<\/p>\n

This information is derived from the Flood Planning and Resilience Guide for Hyde County, North Carolina<\/em><\/strong><\/a> prepared by North Carolina Sea Grant, as well as the Prepare Your Property Before a Flood<\/a> and Pack Your Emergency Supply Kit<\/a> fact sheets.<\/p>\n

View Surge and Flood Maps<\/h2>\n
\"National

National Hurricane Center potential storm surge flooding map for Hurricane Matthew from 11 a.m. on Oct. 7 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 10.<\/p><\/div>\n

During an approaching tropical system, find out how much water you could experience at your location by viewing storm surge inundation maps produced by the National Hurricane Center. You can find active storm surge inundation maps by going to nhc.noaa.gov<\/a> and clicking on the tropical system that may affect land. Inundation maps are under the link for “Storm Surge Inundation” \u2014 view the potential storm surge flooding map for Hurricane Matthew<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Always read the disclaimers carefully. The maps show\u00a0the potential flooding above ground level that could be produced from storm surge during a tropical cyclone based on the anticipated track at the time you are viewing the map. These should only be used as a general guideline for understanding where storm surge flooding could occur given the current forecast situation. Regardless of what the map shows, always follow evacuation and other instructions from your local emergency management officials.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
You also should know the\u00a0general flood risk of your property, which can be viewed using the FEMA National Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS)<\/a> through the Flood Rate Information System. Enter your address to view your flood risk.\u00a0These maps show the FEMA 100-year and 500-year flood plains for your property. The 100-year floodplain is the area where there is a 1 percent chance of flooding in any given year, and the 500-year floodplain is the area where there is a 0.2 percent chance of flooding in any one year. In designated 100-year floodplains, the map also will show the base flood elevation (BFE), or the approximate depth of that 1 percent chance flood. However, floods can happen anywhere, even if those areas are not shaded on the maps. In fact, almost 25 percent of flood insurance claims come from low-to-moderate-risk areas mapped outside the 100-year floodplain, but the chances of flooding outside the mapped areas are less than 1 percent each year.<\/div>\n

Flood Types<\/h2>\n

Know the types of flood watches, warnings and advisories that the National Weather Service may issue so you know how to react in a timely and effective manner.<\/p>\n

A flash flood <\/b>is a rapid rise of water, generally over less than six hours, along a stream or low-lying area. It can be produced when heavy rain accumulates quickly, including from slow-moving or multiple thunderstorms occurring over the same area, as well as from dam breaks, levee failures or heavy rain.<\/p>\n

Flash flood watch: <\/i><\/b>Conditions leading to flash flooding are possible within the next six to 36 hours.<\/p>\n

Flash flood warning: <\/i><\/b>Flash flooding is occurring, imminent or highly likely within the next two hours.<\/p>\n

River Flood Watch:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0River flooding is possible at one or more forecast points along a river.<\/p>\n

River Flood Warning:<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0River flooding is occurring or imminent at one or more forecast points along a river.<\/p>\n

Areal floods <\/b>are general floods over large areas of streets, low-lying areas, storm drains, creeks and small streams. They develop more gradually than flash floods, but still are a threat to life and property.<\/p>\n

Areal flood advisory: <\/i><\/b>Minor general or areal flooding is occurring, imminent or highly likely.<\/p>\n

Areal flood warning: <\/i><\/b>General or areal flooding is occurring, imminent or highly likely.<\/p>\n

Coastal floods <\/b>occur when seawater is contributing to flooding, including from overtopping or breaching barriers during tropical systems, nor\u2019easters, storms or wind tides.<\/p>\n

Coastal flood watch: <\/i><\/b>Coastal flooding conditions are possible.<\/p>\n

Coastal flood warning: <\/i><\/b>Coastal flooding is occurring, imminent or highly likely.<\/p>\n

New for 2016, the National Weather Service may issue storm surge watches and warnings <\/b>in advance of an approaching tropical storm or hurricane when life-threatening storm surge may push water up on to land. Storm surge can and has affected both mainland Hyde County and Ocracoke Island, such as during Hurricane Irene in 2011. The National Hurricane Center will issue potential storm surge maps that show the height above ground that the water may reach, which will be available from the National Weather Service.<\/p>\n

Storm surge watch: <\/i><\/b>Possible life-threatening storm surge flooding within 48 hours.<\/p>\n

Storm surge warning: <\/i><\/b>Danger of life-threatening storm surge flooding within 36 hours.<\/p>\n

Prepare Your Home<\/h2>\n
\"Flooding

Flooding can happen anywhere, prepare now. Courtesy FEMA<\/p><\/div>\n

Inventory the contents of your home to prove your losses to your insurer<\/b>. Videotape or photograph all major household items and valuables. Then create files that include serial numbers and store receipts for electronics and appliances. Keep all records in waterproof containers and take them with you when you evacuate. For more information, ask your insurance agent.<\/p>\n

Prevent or reduce flood damage by floodproofing your home. <\/b>Consider elevating electrical components and major HVAC components at least 1 foot above the base flood elevation \u2014 and higher for additional peace of mind. You also may be able to elevate your entire home above base flood elevation, depending on the structure type and condition.<\/p>\n

Prepare your property to reduce damage from flooding. <\/b>Clear debris from gutters and downspouts. Anchor any outdoor fuel tanks. Move furniture, valuables and important documents to a safe, dry place.<\/p>\n

Prepare Your Farm<\/h2>\n

A healthy floodplain helps floodwaters drain quicker and improves water quality. Help protect floodplains at your home and on your farm. Ensure that chemicals and fertilizers are stored as high as possible above the level of base flood elevation so they are not washed away. Dispose of unneeded chemicals and fertilizers properly. <\/b>Do not dump them in drains, canals, lakes, ponds or impoundments. These can drain or be swept into\u00a0local rivers and sounds.<\/p>\n

During a Flood<\/h2>\n

Prepare Emergency Supply Kits <\/b><\/h3>\n

Stock your emergency kit with basic supplies. <\/b>For easy access, place as much as you can in a waterproof plastic tote to take with you, if you must leave your home.<\/p>\n