Flooding is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States. Many of these deaths occur in automobiles. It only takes two feet of running water to pick up and carry most vehicles, including trucks and SUVs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that more than half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water.

Drivers should never attempt to cross water of unknown depth. Roads may be washed out or there could be under water obstructions. Remember the phrase, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

The National Weather Service also encourages drivers caught in floods to get to higher ground and avoid low spots in the road and to never cross barriers that have been put in place by emergency officials.

Drivers should also keep in mind that flood dangers are much harder to recognize at night than during the day.

The National Weather Service deals primarily with three types of flooding.

Flash flooding is flooding that normally occurs with six hours of heavy or intense rainfall. This is dangerous flooding that develops quickly and is a significant threat to life and property.

Areal flooding develops more gradually, usually from prolonged and persistent moderate to heavy rainfall. This type of flooding results in a gradual ponding or buildup or water in low-lying, flood prone areas as well as small creeks and streams.

River flooding is when a river or stream overflows its banks due to recent heavy rainfall or prolonged rainfall over the drainage basin. This type of flooding, in turn, inundates areas that are normally dry, such as low-lying areas near the river bank.

In response to rising flood waters, the National Weather Service issues several different advisories, watches and warnings:

Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

Flood Watch: Be Prepared. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Flood Advisory: Be Aware: A Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning.

However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.