Severe Weather Preparedness Week: Flooding, the deadliest severe weather threat

Flooding is responsible for the second-most weather-related fatalities in the United States and is the most expensive and frequent disaster. Trends indicate it will get worse with climate change.

There is no question that heat is far and away the deadliest weather event and will likely extend its lead in a warming world.

But among severe weather hazards, flooding is the top killer, outpacing other storm threats like tornadoes. Tornado deaths have decreased dramatically as forecasting and warnings improved, but flooding fatalities are rising.

Flooding deaths are influenced by many factors. As the climate warms, the atmosphere can hold more moisture, and heavy rainfall events are becoming more extreme. The increase of urban sprawl leads to vast swaths of pavement that are less effective at draining water than soil.

People also play a significant role. Over half of all flooding deaths involve a vehicle, which is why you hear "turn around, don't drown" so often. This may feel like a tired saying but it can save your life.

It takes just two feet of water to float almost all vehicles, including SUVs and larger trucks. Smaller cars can wash away in under half that. Six inches of water will knock over even the sturdiest adults. Many flooding deaths also occur at night, when hazards are more difficult to see.

No matter how much water is blocking the road, you should always "turn around, don't drown."