***Maine Severe Weather Preparedness Week...Flash Flooding*** In addition to lightning, high winds, hail, and tornadoes, summertime thunderstorms can also cause flash flooding. Most flash floods are caused by heavy, slow-moving thunderstorms which produce excessive rainfall over a small area in just a short period of time. Other factors such as topography, soil conditions, and ground cover help determine how much of the rainfall soaks into the ground and how much of the rainfall will run off into streams and rivers. Nationwide, floods and flash floods are the greatest storm-related killer, claiming the lives of about 85 people every year. Similar to the rest of the nation, floods and flash floods are the number one storm-related killer in New England. In addition, floods and flash floods are responsible for a considerable amount of public and private property damage. To alert the public to the threat of flooding, the National Weather Service issues FLOOD WATCHES and WARNINGS. A FLOOD WATCH indicates flooding/flash flooding is possible, and is usually issued in anticipation of heavy rainfall. A FLOOD/FLASH FLOOD WARNING indicates that flooding is imminent or is already occurring. If you hear that a FLOOD/FLASH FLOOD WARNING has been issued for your area, move immediately to higher ground if flood waters threaten. Watch out for water of an unknown depth! It only takes 6 inches of flowing water to knock over a person, and 18 inches to carry away most vehicles. If you can’t see the road, Turn Around Don’t Drown! https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood