We missed out on severe storms and flooding rains once again last night, and it's getting very, very dry around here.
So why am I writing about flash floods?
Because if storms with intense rainfall eventually move over this dry ground, there will be extra runoff initially until the ground softens up and can soak up some of that rain. And you could be caught in a flash flood.
This morning on The Today Show, NBC's Jeff Rossen did what I consider to be the best story EVER showing why you should never drive onto a flooded street. Not only did he show just how little water it takes to actually wash your car away (and why you folks with what you think are invincible four-wheel drive trucks are at an even higher risk), but he shows how quick thinking and action on your part can keep you from getting trapped in your car, and how to save your own life.
Don't think this can happen to us? It did. Not even two years ago. Remember our Great Flood of 2014? The water that rose to the bottom of the overpass at I-696 and I-75?
Read back: Great Flood of 2014: How historic was it?
I shuddered then and still get chills now thinking about police DIVERS on our freeways checking to see if there were any bodies in the submerged cars. I reported live from Warren the morning after the flood, and behind me in my live shots was a FIRE TRUCK that got stranded in the high flood waters trying to get to stranded residents trapped in an apartment complex. If it can happen to a fire truck, it can happen to YOU.
The National Weather Service has a very well-known slogan, called "Turn Around, Don't Drown." After watching Jeff's piece here, that message will be driven home. Please take the time to watch Jeff's report, and please share this with others you care about so they have this important information.
Related: Severe Weather Safety Tips