“Unseen Killer: The Devastating Force of Flooding”
More than 1,700 reports of flooding, severe weather, and snow grabbed headlines over the weekend, yet the grim reality persists as the death toll climbs in the realm of flood-related fatalities. Often, we tend to link lethal weather occurrences with tornadoes that strike during the winter and spring seasons. However, this association may not be entirely accurate. Throughout the year, the primary cause of weather-related deaths is heat. Surprisingly, flooding emerges as a significantly deadlier force than tornadoes, more than doubling the toll over the past decade (2014-2023). It’s worth noting that this statistic excludes the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene in 2024, which resulted in numerous flood-related deaths in the southern Appalachians.
While Texas leads the statistics as the state with the highest number of flood-related deaths, North Carolina closely follows, partly due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The Tennessee Valley witnesses a concentration of elevated fatalities related to Appalachian terrain and river flooding, stemming from both hurricane-induced and springtime flood incidents like those observed during Winter Storm Jett.
Additionally, a distinct cluster of flood-related deaths arises in the Southwest region. The prevalence of atmospheric rivers and the annual monsoon season likely accounts for the majority of fatalities attributed to flooding in this area. Delving further into the details, we explore how individuals met their demise in flood-related incidents across the United States.
Undoubtedly, the leading cause of death in water-related incidents continues to be driving into floodwaters. It’s disheartening to witness numerous instances of vehicles attempting to navigate through torrents of water, only to become stranded. Shockingly, since 2015, more than 650 individuals have lost their lives due to such risky behavior.
A mere 6 inches of swiftly moving water can easily sweep a person off their feet, while a vehicle requires just 2 feet of water to be lifted and washed away. During a flood, it is imperative to adhere to safety guidelines and avoid unnecessary risks.
Several flood-related tips include seeking shelter in the driest and most interior part of a building when simultaneously facing a tornado and flooding. Remember, your vehicle is the most perilous place to be during a flood event. Late spring marks the peak season for flooding across the United States. Mesoscale Convective Systems, characterized by clusters of thunderstorms, have the potential to trigger flooding and destructive winds. Furthermore, the likelihood of mudslides significantly increases following prolonged heavy rainfall or wildfires.
