PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GRAY ME
0700 AM EST MON MAR 18 2013

The National Weather Service has declared the week of March 
18th through 22nd Flood Awareness Week in Maine and New 
Hampshire, as well as in the remainder of the United States. 
This is the first in a series of five Public Information 
Statements issued by the National Weather Service Office in 
Gray for Flood Awareness Week.


...OVERVIEW...

In the United States, flooding is the top storm-related 
killer, on average, claiming the lives of about 90 people 
annually.  In 2012, there were 28 fresh water flood or flash 
flood fatalities across the United States.  In addition, the 
remnants of Sandy caused additional deaths due to storm surge.  
Most of the fatalities were related to people driving into 
flooded roadways, some of those incidents occurred when 
vehicles drove around barricades.  Victims were either trapped 
in their cars or drowned as they were washed downstream by 
raging flood waters. In addition, other fatalities occurred 
when people tried to walk or swim through flooded areas.

In Maine and New Hampshire, flooding can occur at any time of 
the year, however, the greatest threat typically occurs in the 
spring when heavy rains and snowmelt can combine to produce 
excessive runoff.  A secondary flooding maximum occurs in the 
fall when moisture-laden tropical systems such as Sandy can 
affect the area.  The current snowpack is about normal for 
this time of year and any heavy rains this spring could 
combine with melting snow to cause rivers to rise to flood 
levels.  

With the recent rains and melting snow saturating the ground, 
be alert to the possibility of flooding should heavy rains 
occur.  If you live in a flood-prone area, be sure to monitor 
the latest forecasts for the latest conditions. Always report 
any flooding to the appropriate local officials and always 
obey all barricades and local detours.   And never, under any 
circumstance, drive into a flooded roadway!

Here are some important recommendations from the National 
Weather Service.
 
* Respect the power of moving water. 
* Never try to drive, swim, walk, or run through a flooded 
  area. 
* Keep a safe distance from the banks of swiftly moving 
  streams, creeks, and ditches. 
* Monitor children closely when streams are high.  
* If you encounter high water or flooding, TURN AROUND, DON'T 
  DROWN !  

$$

JENSENIUS/HAWLEY
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
GRAY, MAINE

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