This is Flood Safety Awareness Week, and the National Weather Service has provided valuable information on the dangers of flooding and how to stay safe.

Flooding is the most damaging weather-related hazard in the U.S., causing an average of $8 billion in losses and 89 deaths each year. Most fatalities occur when people drive into floodwaters. Just 18 inches of moving water can carry away most vehicles. The message has always been”Turn Around, Don’t Drown” when encountering flood waters while driving or walking.

Floods can result from heavy rain, snowmelt, dam failures, and coastal storms. The NWS provides real-time flood forecasts through NOAA Weather Radio, mobile alerts, and online tools like the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service.

More resources are available at weather.gov/safety/flood.