FLOOD SAFETY

AWARENESS
WEEK
March 14-18, 2011
March 14-18, 2011
Flood Awareness Week

Be Prepared!

www.weather.gov/floodsafety/
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 Overview

Thanks for taking the time to read this Flood Safety Awareness Week brochure The purpose of this week is to raise the
public attention to the dangers of flooding and ways to protect life and property. In the United States, each year
flooding kills more people than any other severe weather phenomenon. Flooding causes damages in excess of 5.2
billion dollars. Three quarters of all presidential declared disasters result from floods.

Flooding is the country’s #1 natural disaster. Our Hydrologic Service Area (HSA) is vulnerable to river and stream
flooding, flash flooding, coastal flooding, and drainage flooding. One in six acres in Mississippi is found within the
delineated floodplain. Flood losses within Mississippi have increased from $278 million in 2004 to $2.8 billion in 2010.
Arkansas and Louisiana most likely have observed similar flood loss increases.

Our proximity to the Gulf of Mexico supplies the much needed moisture that fuels heavy rainfall potential. Flooding can
occur from influences of large scale weather systems such as major frontal systems and hurricanes to the small scale
heavy thunderstorm. Flooding can also occur on sunny days such as the Big Bay Dam Break in 2004 and various
Mississippi River floods which were produced by storms over the Upper Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys.

This brochure will highlight the area of focus for each day of the week during Flood Safety Awareness Week 2011.

We would like to thank the NWS office in Nashville, TN for allowing us to use their template .

Flood Safety Awareness Week Events

March 14 - March 18, 2011
Throughout the week, the National Weather Service will present educational material to help people prepare and
protect themselves during flood events. Below is the focus of each day of the week:

 Monday, March 14, we will focus on the National Weather Service’s Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service
(AHPS). This is the National Weather Service’s frontline solution to provide improved river and flood forecasting
and water information to the public across the United States.

 Tuesday, March 15, draws attention to the “Turn Around Don’t Drown” (TADD) campaign. This campaign is
designed to warn people of the hazards of walking or driving a vehicle through flood waters.

 Wednesday, March 16, will emphasize tropical cyclone inland flooding. We will highlight the dangers of flooding
associated with tropical systems.

 Thursday, March 17, will focus on the National Flood Insurance Program. Homeowner’s policies do not cover
flooding. We will explain what flood insurance covers and how to purchase it.

 Friday, March 18, will be a day to review flood safety rules.

Governor Haley Barbour of Mississippi

proclaimed
March 14– March 18, 2011
“Flood Safety Awareness Week” in Mississippi

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 Day 1 - Monday, March 14, 2011

Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service

(AHPS)

r
What is AHPS?

AHPS is the National Weather Service’s frontline

solution to provide improved river and flood forecasting
and water information to the public across the United
States. This is needed because flooding kills more than
any other form of weather except heat., causing
damages in excess of 7.5 billion dollars per year.

AHPS will Answer the following questions:

1. How high will the river rise?

2. When will the river crest?

3. Where will it flood?

4. How long will the flooding last?

5. What are the impacts of the flood?

Luxapallila Creek– January 8, 2009
Photo By NWS Jackson, MS

AHPS Service Delivery Levels

 BASIC

 Long-term probability information

 Enhanced river level forecasts

 FULL

 Enhanced flash flood warnings

 Short– and medium- term probability information

 Low flow and drought products

 WITH PARTNERED DATA SETS (From the United States Geological Survey or Corp of Engineers)

 Flood Forecast Maps (Maps are being developed in Hattiesburg using local funding)

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 Day 1 - Monday, March 14, 2011 ( AHPS Continued)
National AHPS Map
This web page shows the flood status at all National Weather Service river forecast locations.
Clicking on this tab
shows locations where
observations are
available, color coded
according to their
current flood status.
Clicking on this tab
shows locations where
forecasts are available,
color coded according
to highest forecast for
the next two days.
Allows user to display
all locations, hydrograph
only locations,
hydrograph/probability
forecast locations, and
inundation map
locations.
Click here to only
display locations
currently in flood.
Hydro Service Area Map (HSA) http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=jan
This web page shows the flood status of river forecast locations in the WFO Jackson HSA. Selecting a specific
river/stream location provides access to localized information. (Can Click on MS in the National AHPS Map also)
Clicking on this tab
shows locations where
observations are
available, color coded
according to their
current flood status.
Clicking on this tab
shows locations where
forecasts are available,
color coded according
to highest forecast for
the next two days.
Navigation arrows
allow user to move to
neighboring regions.
Squares indicate
locations with observed
hydrograph plots, some
which include near-term
forecasts. Circles are
used for locations that
also have forecast
uncertainty information
out to several months.
http://water.weather.gov
First row shows options
available on the NWS
home page.
Second row shows
options available under
the “Water” category.
Clicking on any location
brings up a regional map
containing that location.
NWS river forecasts
and flood products are
critically dependent on
the USGS stream
gaging network.
Color coding scheme
used on map locations
to indicate flood status.
Click on colored box
and only points in that
category are displayed.
Extensive inundation of
structures and roads.
Significant evacuations
of people and property.
Some inundation of
structures and roads
near stream – some
evacuations of people
and property.
Minimal or no property
damage, but possibly
some public threat.
River or stream level
approaching flood stage.
River or stream level
below flood stage.
No data received from
this site in at least 24 hrs.
River or stream gauge
is not operating.
User selectable Color of icon indicates
overlays. Area of interest in relation
category of flooding.
to state boundaries.
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 Day 1 - Monday, March 14, 2011 ( AHPS Continued)

Hydrograph
The hydrograph is the first graphic displayed after clicking on a specific river or stream location on the Hydrologic
Service Area (HSA) Map. It provides recent observations for many points and a forecast for the next few days. Tabs
at the top of the hydrograph allow a user to display other graphical information for the river/steam location.
Latest observed stage Coordinated Universal
with time and date. Time (UTC) scale.
Flood stage is included
if available.
Color coded flood
categories for location
Peak observed and being viewed, with stage
forecast stages during where each category
time period covered by starts. Flood severity
graph. color scheme is
consistent throughout
these web pages.
Scale for indicating
water level in terms of
stage in feet (ft). Scale for indicating
water level in terms of
flow in thousands of
Observed trace – cubic feet per second
indicates water level (kcfs).
trends over past
several days.
Forecast trace – shows
expected water level
trend over next few days.
Vertical line marks the
current viewing time. Local time scale.

Weekly Chance of Exceeding Levels

This graphic provides the probability of exceeding various river/stream levels during the next
three months given the weather patterns in past years and the best available long-term forecasts.

Lines for flood category

levels use the same
color scheme shown on
the flood hydrograph
and other web pages.

Each colored section of

vertical bar represents a
On the web, click on “About this
range of probabilities
graph” for description of this plot
(e.g., 5% to 25% for the
green bars). Range of Example: For week of
stages corresponding to 4/11 to 4/18, the bottom
those probabilities can of the green bar shows
be found on the left there is a 25% chance
scale of the graph (see the stage will exceed
Example). about 12.5 feet and the
top shows there is a 5%
Bars are shown in chance the stage will
weekly increments. exceed about 16 feet.

Provides explanation of Allows user to display

the graph. probabilities in terms of
stage, discharge, or
weekly flow volume.

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 Day 1 - Monday, March 14, 2011 ( AHPS Continued)

Precipitation
This web page shows the digital precipitation estimates used in National Weather Service river forecast models.

Allows download of
digital data in shapefile
or netCDF format. Third row shows
options available under
Description of “Precipitation” category.
precipitation display
and its features.
Feedback from users is
highly valued.
Provides list of links to
other precipitation –
related web pages. Precipitation depth in
selected units.

User selectable
overlays.
Selectable timeframe:
current, archived
monthly, or archived Select units for display.
daily data.
Area covered: state,
User can select year major hydrologic region,
and month or year, or weather forecast
month, and day office area (defaults to
depending on archive CONUS + Puerto Rico.
timeframe chosen.

Interactive Snow Information

This graphic provides the probability of exceeding various river/stream levels during the next
three months given the weather patterns in past years and the best available long-term forecasts.

Control map zoom down Latitude and longitude

to portions of counties. of cursor location. User
can enter coordinates
When box is red, to re-center map.
clicking and dragging
while holding down
mouse button and then Map shows portion of
releasing zooms in on U.S. currently being
created rectangle area. displayed.

Select type of data to

display – e.g., snow Key to information being
water equivalent, snow displayed.
depth, or snow water
equivalent change.

Select date and time to

display.

Select geographic Elevation key for base

features to display. map.
Select display units
(U.S., metric). Directions for use of
interactive features.
Miscellaneous display
control features.

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 Day 1 - Monday, March 14, 2011 ( AHPS Continued)

Flood Inundation Map

This interactive web page shows the spatial extent of possible or expected flooding in a given area. It can be used to
show if roadways and structures will be impacted by floodwaters. At the limited number of forecast locations where
inundation maps are currently available, this web page is accessed by clicking on the inundation mapping tab on the
hydrograph web page. Research for flood maps are funded at the local level. The first flood inundation maps in the
WFO Jackson HSA will be in the Hattiesburg area in the next few years. (funded by local contributions and grants)

Activate feature to show

water depth at cursor
(detailed mode only). Select
background:
standard map
Set display: inundation or detailed
levels, flood categories, photo.
or current forecast.

Latest stage
observation.

Clicking
anywhere on
map allows
user to zoom
in on area of
Flood category display interest.

Flood
inundation at
stage = 21 ft
is shown on
map.

Provides
Current forecast display overlays for
FEMA 100-
Menu for inundation year flood,
levels shown on map: 500-year
stage = 21 feet is flood, and
highlighted in yellow. floodway
maps.

Slider for adjusting Describes

transparency of overlay. stage where
each flood
category
Stage at inundation level begins.
currently shown on map.

List of
Print/save image, down- historical
load data, and links to flood crests.
supporting documents.

Mouse cursor location

information, including
water depth when the Color scale
feature is activated. for depth of
inundation.

100-year flood 500-year flood

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 Day 2 - Tuesday, March 15, 2011

TURN AROUND DON’T DROWN

(TADD)

What is “Turn Around Don’t Drown”?

TADD is a campaign to warn people of the hazards of

walking or driving a vehicle through flood waters.

Luxapallila Creek– January 8, 2009

Photo By NWS Jackson, MS

Why is TADD so important?

Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than any
other thunderstorm related hazard. Many underestimate
the force and power of water. More than half of all flood
related deaths result from vehicles being swept
downstream. Many of these were preventable.

Hazards of driving an automobile into

water:

 Swiftly moving water can pick up your car and take it

downstream.

 Roads may be washed out underneath the water.

I can see the roadway on the other side of the water and the water doesn’t
appear to be too deep or moving too fast. Is it okay to cross the flooded
area?

What appears to be shallow and slow moving water can be misleading. Depending on how
fast the current is and how long the area has been flooded can have a significant effect on
the roadway itself. You could be driving into areas where roads have eroded. This could
cause your vehicle to drop into the river or a large washed out area.

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 Day 2 - Tuesday, March 15, 2011 (Continued)

TURN AROUND DON’T DROWN

(TADD)

How can a foot or two of water cost your life?

Source: FEMA website

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 Day 3 - Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Tropical Cyclone Inland Flooding

What you need to know about inland flooding?

When it comes to tropical cyclones such as hurricanes, tropical storms or

tropical depressions, intense rainfall, not related to wind speed, often
causes more damage. Since the 1970s, flooding from tropical
cyclones has been responsible for more than half of the deaths associ-
ated with tropical systems in the United States.

Factors Affecting Inland Flooding:

 Forward speed - Slower moving tropical cyclones allow heavy rainfall to persist over a location.
 Orography - Warm moist tropical air is forced up hills, the rain is intensified
 Intersection with other weather features -The remains of a tropical system can merge with a frontal
system or boundary producing extremely heavy rainfall.
 Antecedent conditions –The wetter the soil and the higher the water in streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and
reservoirs, the greater the severity of flooding.

Tropical Storm Allison inland

flooding in Houston, TX

Tropical Cyclones can, and usually do, cause several types of flooding:

 Flash flooding occurs within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall. The rapidly rising water can
reach heights of 30 feet or more and can roll boulders, rip trees from the ground, and destroy buildings
and bridges.
 Urban area floods are due to the conversion of fields and woodlands to roads and parking lots. Streets
can become swift-moving rivers.
 Coastal flooding occurs when strong winds blow onshore, pushing water inland. Tropical cyclones
cause extensive damage from storm surges when water, piled along the shore, rushes inland.
 River flooding occurs when torrential rains from decaying hurricanes or tropical storms produce major
floods. River floods can occur in a few hours and also last a week or longer.

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 Day 3 - Wednesday, March 16, 2011 (Continued)

Tropical Cyclone Inland Flooding

Pictures: Mississippi Levee Board

HURRICANE GUSTAV:

In the last hundred years, Mississippi, Northeast Louisiana, and Southeast Arkansas had not
experienced major flooding from tropical systems stalling or dying over the area. This was
until 2008 when Southeast Arkansas, Northeast Louisiana, and West Mississippi experienced
major flash flooding and river flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Gustav. Many areas
were inundated with 10 to 20 plus inches of rainfall that fell in a short time period. No deaths
were reported but multi-millions of dollars in damages occurred over Northeast Louisiana,
Southeast Arkansas, and portions of West Mississippi, especially in the Washington County/
Greenville, MS area.

A storm of this scope over more vulnerable and populated areas of the ARKLAMISS region,
such as Jackson, Hattiesburg, Meridian, and Columbus, could potentially cause major loss of
life and property.
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 Day 4 - Thursday, March 17, 2011

National Flood Insurance Program

(NFIP)

What is the National Flood insurance Program?

In 1968, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

to help provide a means for property owners to financially protect
themselves. The NFIP offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters,
and business owners if their community participates in the NFIP.
Participating communities agree to adopt and enforce ordinances that
meet or exceed FEMA requirements to reduce the risk of flooding.

Why should I have flood insurance? Doesn’t my homeowners or commercial property

insurance already cover flood damage?

Most homeowners and commercial insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Floods are the #1 natural
disaster within the United States. They are more common than tornadoes, earthquakes and fires. They have
caused billions of dollars of losses in the U.S. over the last 10 years. There is a 26% chance of experiencing a
flood during the life of a 30-year mortgage in high-risk areas. If your home or business is in a high-risk area, it is
more than twice as likely to experience a flood than fire.

Who manages the National Flood Insurance Program?

Can anyone get flood insurance?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manages the

NFIP. Flood insurance is available to anyone that lives in a
community that participates in the NFIP. Community participation is
voluntary. To participate, a community must agree to adopt and
enforce floodplain management ordinances that are designed to
reduce flood damage. In exchange, the program makes federally
backed flood insurance available to homeowners, renters, and
business owners. If flooding occurs, the community also qualifies
for certain federal grants and disaster assistance.

I live in a low-risk flood zone. Do I really need flood insurance?

Many residents of Mississippi, Northeast Louisiana, and Southeast Arkansas live in flood vulnerable areas;
however, many of these areas do not require flood insurance. It is a good idea to buy flood insurance even if
you live in a low-risk or moderate-risk area. Flooding occurs in low-to-moderate risk areas as well as in
high-risk areas. Poor drainage systems, rapid accumulation of rainfall and broken water mains can all result in
flooding. Also, with new development comes changes to runoff and drainage patterns, which can cause
homes or businesses to flood which have never flooded in the past. Almost 25 percent of all flood insurance
claims come from areas with low-to-moderate flood risk. In low risk areas, flood policies can start as low as
$100.00.

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 Day 4 - Thursday, March 17, 2011 (Continued)

National Flood Insurance Program

(NFIP)

Why not just wait to purchase flood insurance until the flood is a few days away?

It takes 30 days after the purchase for a policy to take effect, so it is important to buy insurance before the
floodwaters start to rise. Tropical cyclone flooding and other types of flooding occur with much less than 30
days notice. An exception to the 30-day waiting rule is when flood insurance is required as part of a mortgage.
Flood insurance is mandatory if your property is in a high-risk area or a special flood hazard area and you have a
federally-backed mortgage. BUY WELL AHEAD OF FLOOD SEASON AND HURRICANE SEASON!

Where can I purchase or view the current flood maps?

Flood maps like the one below can be viewed at no cost or purchased for minimal cost.
Go to the website http://msc.fema.gov and type in your address at the top left corner.

Where can I buy flood insurance?

If your community participates in the NFIP, you can purchase flood insurance through those agents that have
agreed to work with the NFIP. They may or may not be the insurance agent you presently use for your current
insurance. Your agent may be able to help you find out how to purchase insurance or you can find a list of flood
insurance agents at the NFIP website:

http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/choose_your_policy/agent_locator.jsp

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 Day 5 - Friday, March 18, 2011

FLOOD SAFETY

Terms and definitions to know

Flash Flood - A rapid (generally within 6 hours) rise of water along a stream or low-lying area
after a heavy rainfall or from the failure of a dam, levee, or ice jam. By definition, flash flooding
is life threatening.

Flood - A flood occurs when water overflows the confines of a river, stream, or body of water,
or accumulates in a poorly drained low-lying or urban area.

Flash Flood Watch - Issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding. A watch usually
gives 12 to 36 hours advance notice of the onset of probable flooding. A watch indicates a
need for planning, preparation, and an increased awareness of changing weather conditions.

Flood Watch - Issued when conditions are favorable for river flooding. A watch usually gives 12
to 36 hours advance notice of the onset of probable river flooding.

Flash Flood Warning - Issued when:

 Flash flooding is reported or is imminent.
 A dam or levee failure is imminent or occurring.
 Precipitation capable of causing flash flooding is indicated by radar, rain gages, and/
or satellite imagery or the Weather Service’s Flash Flood Monitoring Program (FFMP).

Flood Warning - Issued for flooding along rivers and streams. A warning indicates the need to
take immediate action to protect life and property. The two categories of flood warnings are:
 Point Specific Flood Warning - Issued for specific forecast points on a river.
 Areal Flood Warning - Issued for flooding occurring over a river basin, county or a
portion of a county where water is not rising rapidly but flood is ongoing.

Flooding on
Bogue Homa
Creek in Jones
County, MS
(3/10/2011)

Picture taken by NWS Jackson

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 Day 5 - Friday, March 18, 2011 (Continued)

FLOOD SAFETY

Flood/Flash Flood Safety Rules

 Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, or your favorite news source, for vital weather information
before venturing into flood prone areas.
 If flooding occurs, move to higher ground, away from areas subject to flooding such as dips
in roads and other low spots.
 Avoid areas already flooded and do not attempt to cross flowing streams.
 Do not drive around barricades that warn you the road is flooded…
”Turn Around Don’t Drown”
 Never drive through flooded roadways, as the roadbed under the water may be washed out.
 Never allow children to play around storm drains and ditches.
 Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, if there is a threat of flooding.
 Be especially cautious driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers such as
flooded roads and washed out bridges and roads.
 Think inland flooding, the next time you hear hurricane or tropical storm. Some of the
greatest rainfall totals occur from weaker storms that drift slowly or stall over an area.
 Develop a flood emergency plan. Determine your flood risk and purchase flood insurance if
necessary. Flood damage is not covered by your homeowners insurance.

Flooding on
Tallahala Creek
near Laurel in
Jones County, MS
(03/10/2011)

Picture taken by NWS Jackson

official photographer.

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 Historical Floods
WFO Jackson, MS

 Mississippi River Flood of 1927

 Easter Flood of April of 1979 (Big Black, Pearl River, and Tombigbee River)
 Floods of February 1961 (Pascagoula River System)
 Floods of December 1961 (Big Black, Pearl, Lower Tombigbee)
 Mississippi River and Tombigbee River floods of 1973
 Southern Mississippi floods of 1974
 Floods of Central and South Mississippi Spring of 1983
 Hurricane Gustav flooding Northeast Louisiana, Southeast Arkansas, and
Washington County, MS September 2008

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 For Your Information

This booklet contains materials useful during the Flood Safety Awareness Week campaign as well
as other times.

Each county in Mississippi is served by a designated National Weather Service Office as identified
below:

Hydrologist or Hydrologist focal point

Jackson............................ .Marty Pope (601) 939-2786
Memphis, TN ....................Gene Rench (901) 544-0411
Slidell, LA...........................Pat Brown (985) 649-0357
Mobile, AL..........................Keith Williams (251) 633-6443

Information Resources on the World Wide Web

For additional resources, the following web sites are available:

NWS Jackson: www.srh.noaa.gov/jan

NWS Memphis: www.srh.noaa.gov/meg
NWS New Orleans: www.srh.noaa.gov/lix
NWS Mobile: www.srh.noaa.gov/mob

All NWS Offices:

http://www.weather.gov
Legend: Jackson | Memphis, TN| Slidell, LA| Mobile, AL

The remainder of Arkansas is served by NWS Little Rock (Green) and WFO Shreveport
The remainder of Louisiana is served by NWS Shreveport and Lake Charles

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