As we wrap up Severe Weather Awareness Week, today we review flooding.

Dallas County Emergency Management Coordinator Barry Halling says there are two kinds of flooding, a flash flood and a regular flood. Halling points out that a regular flood can take days to develop, due to the result of water moving slow downstream from a river. However, a flash flood can happen in a matter of hours. Typically with flash floods, Halling notes that a watch can turn into a warning quickly.

“Flash flood warning is something that’s going to take place right away. Right after a big rain, when farm fields and drainage areas are running at capacity and go across roads.”

Halling has some safety reminders for motorists whenever there’s a possibility that flash flooding could occur.

“Stay out of low-lying areas. Stay away from places where street sewer and water, things all mingle together. Those kind of places where you think water would flow fast because that’s probably where it will be. Don’t drive into standing water because it doesn’t take much standing water to make your car float away.”

Halling adds some problematic areas for flooding including Perry’s westside, north of Adel and around the Van Meter area.