Flooding

Anywhere it rains, it can flood. Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live or work, but especially if you are in low-lying areas, near water, behind a levee or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood.

If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be swept away quickly.
• Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly during threatening conditions.

Information from FEMA Ready.gov. For more information visit http://www.ready.gov/floods.

  Flash flooding: a lesser known, but leading weather killer

(Click link above for article from The Washington Post Capital Weather Gang)

The Reston North Park & Ride commuter lot is covered with flood water following remnants from tropical storm Lee in 2011.

Many of the cars are submerged and are not visible in this photograph. Photo by Olga Bogatyrenko