Like the mountain flood that swept through Texas, is the top killer in the United States related to storms
The huge and rapid flood that swept across rural Hill, Texas on Friday killed at least 67 people and left more missing floods, the flash flood of the top storm-related killers in the United States. Among them, the girl who attended the summer camp was missing.
Authorities said about 850 people were rescued, including some helicopters.
Here are some facts about mountain torrents and floods.
The mountain torrents formed rapidly
According to the National Weather Service, flooding starts within six hours, usually with only three hours of heavy rain.
Waters rose so quickly that people caught people off guard, according to the weather service. Many people have trouble traveling. If you are at home or at work, the water will rise so quickly that people are trapped before they have time to consider escape.
This is what happened to residents along the Guadalupe River and its surrounding areas in Kerr County after pouring at least 10 inches (25 cm) from the sky early Friday morning.
45 minutes before dawn on Friday, the rapid moving water along the river rose to 26 feet (8 meters), washing the houses and vehicles. The danger is not over, with heavy rain expected to increase on Saturday, with flash flood warnings and flood watches still causing some parts of central Texas to take effect.
Texas has some advance notice
On Thursday afternoon, the National Weather Service released a flood surveillance, which estimated that the water attractions were as high as 7 inches (17 cm). “Watches” mean that conditions are favorable to floods and people should be prepared, but dangerous conditions may not develop.
But the watch escalated to a flood warning overnight, which affected 30,000 people. The Meteorological Bureau said a warning will be issued when a flood is about to occur or occurs.
Lieutenant Colonel. Governor Dan Patrick said the potential of heavy rain and floods covered a large area, “Everything brings a head for them and you could have heavy rain.”
But when asked how people can be safely arrived in Kerr County, Judge Rob Kelly, the county’s chief officer, said: “We don’t have a warning system.”
When the reporter pushed for why no more precautions were taken, Kelly replied: “Don’t worry, no one knows this flood is coming.”
Flash torrents can be fatal
According to the Meteorological Bureau, 145 people died from flash floods last year. Over the past 30 years, the flood has claimed an average of 127 lives each year.
The flood falls into the vehicle
Of all flood-related deaths, almost half involve vehicles. Flood deaths affect all ages.
Many people don't realize that only 6 inches (15 cm) of water is difficult to control the car and can be swept to 18 inches (46 cm). Therefore, people often try to drive through the water in underground passages or other low-lying areas.
Flash torrents can occur anywhere
According to the weather service, it can happen anywhere, which says: “If heavy rain falls overhead, the usually peaceful streams and streams near you can turn into violent torrents.”
Even without rain can flood an area – if it is downstream of a storm crisis, while the swollen stream heads.
Hurricanes, tropical storms, non-environmental weather systems carrying heavy rains and dam failures are some weather events that can cause mountain flooding. They may occur in rural areas or in large cities.
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Associated Press writer Adrian Sainz contributed.
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