Flash flood warning issued for Sussex County
The NWS warns: "Turn around, doN't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads."
At 4:12 p.m., the NWS issued a statement:
"The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a Flash Flood Warning for: Southeastern Sussex County in southern Delaware, Until 8:15 p.m. EDT. At 4:12 p.m. EDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.5 and 2.5 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 3 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
HAZARD: Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE: Radar and automated gauges.
IMPACT: Flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses as well as other drainage and low lying areas. Some locations that may experience flash flooding include: Millsboro, Millville, Long Neck, Ocean View, South Bethany and Dewey Beach."
A flash flood is a flood caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than 6 hours, according to the NWS. Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains. A flash flood can be sudden and violent and take just minutes to develop. It is possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.
A flash flood warning is issued when a flood is imminent or occurring, the NWS says. If you are in a flood prone area, you should move immediately to high ground.The NWS issues a flash flood watch when flash flooding is possible.
If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Use a battery-operated radio or television to get the latest emergency information.
Do not walk through floodwater. Just six inches of floodwater can sweep you off your feet if it is moving swiftly.
Turn around, don't drown; do not drive into a flooded street. Cars can be swept away by two feet of moving water or there may be unseen damage to the road. If you come to a flooded area turn around and go another way. Most flood-related deaths are caused by people driving through water.
Watch out for fire hazards.
Move to higher ground.
Stay alert, turn weather notifications on.
Do not allow children to play in flowing water. Waters can hide rocks, trees and debris.
Reporters Jana Hayes and Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez contributed to this article.
This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.
See the latest weather alerts and forecasts here
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Flash flood warning issued for Sussex County
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