How to Survive a Flash Flood
A flash flood is a sudden flood that occurs within a few hours after heavy rainfall. They typically happen in low-lying areas where the ground isn’t able to absorb all the water that’s fallen from the sky. In the United States, flash floods are common in the American Southwest. But they also occur in urban areas across the country due to all the pavement in cities (pavement, of course, can’t absorb water). Besides heavy rainfall, flash floods can be caused by dam or levee breaks. Flash floods don’t get as much coverage as tornados or hurricanes, but they actually kill more people than those more dramatic-seeming natural disasters. The biggest reason people die in flash floods is that they underestimate their force and danger. Floodwaters can contain downed trees and debris that can strike you if you wade into them. And even seemingly shallow water can knock you off your feet and even sweep away your vehicle. Your best bet to survive a flash flood is to avoid areas with flood...