A flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Mount Holly at 4:56 p.m. on Thursday, May 15. This warning applies to Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Bucks counties.
The NWS warns: “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads. Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement and request they pass this information to the National Weather Service when you can do so safely.”
See weather radar for Burlington County
What are NWS meteorologists saying?
At 4:56 p.m., the NWS issued a statement:
” The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a Flash Flood Warning for: Southern Mercer County in central New Jersey, Western Monmouth County in central New Jersey, North Central Burlington County in southern New Jersey, Southeastern Bucks County in southeastern Pennsylvania, until 9:00 p.m. EDT. At 4:56 p.m. EDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain has fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 2 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. , Flash flooding caused by heavy rain. , Radar. , 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: Trenton, Ewing, Bordentown, Pennington, Yardley, Newtown, Tullytown, Allentown, Langhorne, White Horse, Mercerville-Hamilton Square and Florence-Roebling.”
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
If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Use a battery-operated radio or television to get the latest emergency information.
Do not walk through floodwater. Just six inches of floodwater can sweep you off your feet if it is moving swiftly.
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.
Watch out for fire hazards.
Stay alert, turn weather notifications on.
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. Let our News Automation and AI team know what you think of this story here.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Flash flood warning issued for Burlington County