The dangers of flash flooding
Flash floods are dangerous and can happen anywhere there is localised heavy rainfall.
If you live, work or regularly travel in a flash flood area, there may be no official warning for flash floods.
Heavy rainfall and/or quickly pooling or rushing water, could be natural signs that flash flooding is happening.
In flash floods, leaving low-lying areas (evacuation), well before flash flooding begins, is the best action to take, but only if it is safe to do so.
If you are trapped by rising flash floodwater, seek the safest refuge possible, on high ground or in the highest part of a sturdy building. Stay there and call '000' (triple zero) if you need rescue. This is a life-threatening situation.
If you are trapped by flash floodwater in a vehicle, you need to decide on the safest action for yourself in that situation. This could be to remain in the vehicle, leave the vehicle and seek higher ground or to climb on top of the vehicle. No one action is a guarantee that you will survive. Call ‘000’ (triple zero). This is a life-threatening situation.
ABC ‘Big Weather’ video below explains what the best action is if you come across a flooded road.
It is important to remember that flash floodwater can be faster flowing and deeper than it appears. It can also contain sewage and poisons, hidden snags, dead animals and debris.
Flash floods can also erode road and path surfaces leaving potholes, sinkholes and other dangers.
The major cause of death during flash floods is by people entering flash floodwater.
If you come across a flooded road, simply stop and turn back.
Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater.
NSW SES Flash FloodSafe Guide
Never drive through floodwater | Big Weather
You do not want to end up in this situation. Under any circumstance, the easiest thing to do is to turn around.
Learn more about Flood Rescue Operators
We would prefer not to have to enter flash floodwater ourselves but, we need to be ready to rescue those who become trapped. Flood rescue operators are highly trained and use a range of techniques including flood boats and rope work.
Learn more about Flood Rescue Operators
NSW SES flood rescue operators may assist during flash floods with evacuation of residents and rescue of people and animals from floodwater. Sometimes the nature of flash floods means that we cannot always get to people quickly. There may be times where you need to act to save yourself. This is why it is important to know the natural signs of flash flooding, leave low-lying areas immediately and never drive, ride or walk through flash floodwater.
