Camp Mystic Video shows the devastation left behind by floods in Texas
Video mystics inside the camp show the devastation left behind by the floods in Texas.
Floods in Texas appeared quickly, quickly becoming deadly, showing just how powerful and powerful flash floods were.
Surprisingly, it only takes 6 inches of water moving rapidly to knock you down from your feet. According to Weather.com, water flowing at just 6 mph gives the same force per unit area as air blows at wind speeds in an EF5 tornado.
Water moving at 25 mph has the equivalent pressure to wind blowing at 790 mph, which is faster than the speed of sound.
Below is what you need to know about these incredible forces of nature and how you can prepare.
What is a flash flood?
Flash floods are rapid rises in water along streams or along low-lying urban areas, the Meteorological Department says. Flash floods are the result of repeated numerous thunderstorms in the same area, or slow moving thunderstorms caused by heavy rain associated with tropical cyclones.
“These floods can occur within minutes depending on the intensity of the rainfall, topography, soil conditions and underground cover,” the Meteorological Department said.
The July 4 flood disaster caused extreme flooding in Texas Hill Country around 4am as thunderstorms dumped more than 10 inches of rain across parts of the area. Relentless rain overwhelmed the Guadalupe River, surged over 26 feet within an hour, Texas Lt. Colonel Dan Patrick said.
Beware of your car
Generally, most US flash flood deaths occur in vehicles where people try to run through flooded water and eventually get them owned. This led to a well-known slogan urging weather services to “Turn around, don’t own.”
The national 30-year average of flood deaths is around 127 per year, with weather department data showing that almost half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle-related. The majority of the victims are male, and flood deaths affect all age groups.
“If a vehicle is floating, the flood becomes a steering wheel. If the water is moving, the vehicle can be cleaned, tilted sideways, or flipped over.”
And according to FEMA:
- 6 inches of water reaches the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and potential stall.
- A foot of water floats many vehicles.
- A two-foot rush will carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pickups.
Please let me know about the weather
A mobile phone or weather radio is an important part of maintaining incoming bad weather.
“Weather awareness can save your life in flash floods,” Bells said in an online report.
Beware of wireless emergency warnings (WEAs) on your phone, in addition to apps from your favorite weather providers such as The Weather Channel and Accuweather. “Government partners include local and state public safety agencies, FEMA, FCC, the Department of Homeland Security and the National Weather Service,” the Weather Service said.
Other flash flood safety tips
Some important tips to keep you safe in the event of flash floods:
- If you get caught up in a flood, head straight to the highlands.
- Do not walk or drive through floods.
- If you encounter rising water, “Look, don’t own.”
