There is a difference between a flood and a flash flood. Floods can cover large areas of land and last for several days. A flood situation happens when rivers, streams, or lakes rise over their embankments due to an overabundance of rain upstream. Flood conditions are normally announced serveral hours, if not days, before the flood actually takes place. A flash flood happens very quickly and my take place during or immediately after a heavy rain, usually when the ground is already saturated and the rain can not be absorbed. Rushing water flows to low-lying areas along any path possible such as draws, ditches, ravines and streets.

Flash floods kill more people than any other natural disaster in North Central Texas. Please show respect for the power of rushing water. Turn Around, Don't Drown.

As little as six inches of rushing water will knock an adult off their feet; two feet of rushing water will carry away a vehicle.

Get out of areas subject to flooding, like dips, low spots, canyons, washes, drainage creeks, etc.

Avoid already flooded and high-velocity flow areas. Don't attempt to cross a flowing stream.

Never drive through flooded roadways in case the roadbed is no longer intact. Do not drive into flooded intersections as pressure in underground storm water pipes can force manhole covers out of their fixtures, leaving a hole in the street. If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.

Be cautious at night when it's harder to recognize flood dangers. Don't camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.