The National Weather Service in Wilmington issued a flash flood warning Aug. 11 for Fairfield, Franklin, Hocking, Madison and Pickaway counties, in central Ohio.
The weather service warns: "Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. To report flash flooding, go to our website at weather.gov/iln and submit your report via social media, when you can do so safely."
Franklin County weather radar
What are NWS meteorologists saying?
At 3:42 p.m., the weather service issued a statement including the following information:
The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued a Flash Flood Warning for, Fairfield County in central Ohio, Southern Franklin County in central Ohio, Hocking County in central Ohio, Southeastern Madison County in central Ohio, Pickaway County in central Ohio, Until
6:45 p.m. EDT. At 3:42 p.m. EDT, radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 4 inches of rain have fallen since last night. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
HAZARD: Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding.
SOURCE: Radar indicated.
IMPACT: Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. Some locations that may experience flash flooding include: Lancaster, Grove City, Circleville, Logan, Canal Winchester, Ashville, South Bloomfield, Bremen, Williamsport, Pleasantville, Logan Elm Village, Hide-A-Way Hills, Hocking Hills State Park, Commercial Point and Starr.
What is a flash flood?
Flash floods can develop within six hours of heavy rain, dam or levee failure. They can uproot trees, destroy buildings and bridges and trigger mudslides. Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains.
Flash floods can even occur in areas that aren't receiving rain, the NWS warns.
Warning vs watch: What is a flash flood warning?
A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding, according to the NWS. It doesn't guarantee flooding will occur, but it means flooding is possible.
A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or already happening, USA TODAY reported. If you're in a flood-prone area during a flash flood warning, move to higher ground immediately.
Remember: Turn around, don't drown.
What to do during a flood warning
- If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Use a battery-powered radio or TV to get the latest emergency information.
- Do not walk through floodwater – just 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
- Turn around, don't drown: Never drive into a flooded street. Two feet of moving water can sweep away a car, and roads may be washed out.
- Watch for fire hazards.
- Move to higher ground.
- Stay alert and keep weather notifications on.
- Keep children away from floodwaters – they can hide rocks, trees, and debris.
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This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Flash flood warning issued for Franklin, Fairfield counties
