Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss. There are two types of floods of concern in this region: (1) a rising flood which occurs because of heavy prolonged rain or melting snow or both; and (2) flash floods which are characterized by quick rise and fall of flood levels. Rising floods typically occur in the spring at the peak of snowmelt. Flash floods typically occur during intense summer thunderstorms. Never take cover in a culvert or under a bridge.

IF YOU CAN HEAR THUNDER, YOU ARE CLOSE ENOUGH TO BE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING. HEAD FOR HIGHER GROUND.

Even a shallow depth of fast moving floodwater produces more force than most people imagine. The most dangerous thing you can do is to try walking, swimming, or driving through floodwaters. 2 feet of water will carry away most automobiles.