A flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Mount Holly at 7:38 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16. This warning applies to Mercer and Bucks counties.
The NWS warns: “Turn around, doN’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”
See weather radar for Bucks County
What are NWS meteorologists saying?
At 7:38 p.m., the NWS issued a statement:
“The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a Flash Flood Warning for: West Central Mercer County in central New Jersey, Southeastern Bucks County in southeastern Pennsylvania, Until 11:45 p.m. EDT. At 7:38 p.m. EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.5 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts up to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
HAZARD: Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE: Radar.
IMPACT: Flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses as well as other drainage and low lying areas. Some locations that may experience flash flooding include: Philadelphia, Trenton, Bensalem, Ewing, Pennington, Yardley, Newtown, Langhorne, Woodside, Langhorn, Levittown and Washington Crossing.”
What is a flash flood?
A flash flood is a flood caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than 6 hours, according to the NWS. Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains. A flash flood can be sudden and violent and take just minutes to develop. It is possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.
What’s the difference between a flash flood watch and a flash flood warning?
A flash flood warning is issued when a flood is imminent or occurring, the NWS says. If you are in a flood prone area, you should move immediately to high ground.The NWS issues a flash flood watch when flash flooding is possible.
What to do during a flood warning
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If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
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Use a battery-operated radio or television to get the latest emergency information.
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Do not walk through floodwater. Just six inches of floodwater can sweep you off your feet if it is moving swiftly.
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Turn around, don’t drown; do not drive into a flooded street. Cars can be swept away by two feet of moving water or there may be unseen damage to the road. If you come to a flooded area turn around and go another way. Most flood-related deaths are caused by people driving through water.
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Watch out for fire hazards.
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Stay alert, turn weather notifications on.
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Do not allow children to play in flowing water. Waters can hide rocks, trees and debris.
Reporters Jana Hayes and Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez contributed to this article.
This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.
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This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Flash flood warning issued for Bucks County
