Public Information Statement for Gallatin, TN

Public Information Statement
Statement as of 6:52 AM CST on February 20, 2012

...This is severe weather awareness week across Tennessee...

The National Weather Service...along with our partners in the media
and emergency management...have chosen this week as severe weather
awareness week across the state. Each day this week we'll
highlight a different aspect of severe weather and provide tips on
how tennesseans can stay safe.

Monday...we will look at flooding and flash floods.

Tuesday...we will discuss lightning and lightning safety.

Wednesday...is tornado awareness day and will serve as tornado
drill day in Tennessee.

Thursday...is severe thunderstorm day.

Friday...we will discuss NOAA Weather Radio and the emergency
alert system.

Today we'lss discuss flodds and flood safety.

Turn around...don't drown!

Floods and flash floods occur every year in Tennessee. General
river flooding occurs seasonally when winter or Spring rains or
torrential rains associated with tropical storms fill river basins
with too much water too quickly. Flash floods occur suddenly...
usually occurring within hours of excessive localized rainfall.
These flash floods can become raging torrents which rip through
river beds...urban streets or valleys sweeping everything before
them.

When a Flash Flood Warning is issued for your County or the moment
you first realize that a flash flood is imminent...act quickly to
save yourself. You may only have seconds.

A Flash Flood Watch means it is possible that heavy rains will
cause flash flooding in the specified area. Stay alert to the
weather and think about what you would do if water begins to rise
or if you receive a warning. Watch for development.

A Flash Flood Warning means flash flooding is occurring or imminent
in the specified area. Move to higher...safe ground immediately!

                   Flash flood safety rules

1.   Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips...
     low spots...valleys...stream banks and flood plains.

2.   Avoid already flooded and high velocity flow areas. Do not
     attempt to cross a flowing stream on foot where water is
     above your ankles.

3.   Never drive your car into a flooded roadway.  As little as
     two feet of moving water can sweep any vehicle away.  Turn
     around...don't drown!

4.   If your vehicle stalls...abandon it immediately and seek
     higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle
     and it away.

5.   Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to
     recognize flood dangers. Heavy rain events frequently
     occur at night!

6.   Do not Camp or park your vehicle along streams or drainage
     areas...particularly during threatening conditions.

7.   Keep aware of the weather situation - listen to NOAA Weather
     Radio or commercial radio or television.

NOAA Weather Radio will carry information and safety tips all this
week containing important safety rules that you can use to protect
yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of severe weather.