ClarksvilleNow.com Reporting
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for Middle Tennessee through 1 p.m. Tuesday. A powerful storm in the area could bring 1 to 3 inches of rain.
A tornado warning was issued for Montgomery County but expired at 6:30 p.m. Squall lines are still moving into the area with the potential for damaging winds up to 60 mph, hail, and flooding.
Residents are urged to seek shelter for the evening as severe thunderstorms continue to pose a threat in the area.
Jerry Zachary, Montgomery County Emergency Management Director, said two homes, one on Chesterfield Drive and another on Whitfield Road, were damaged when trees fell on them. There were no injuries.
Most flash floods are caused by slow-moving thunderstorms, or thunderstorms which move over the same area one right after the other.
Flash floods generally occur within a short time period after a rain event – generally 6 hours or less. For this reason they are more life threatening. Areas most susceptible to flash flooding are mountainous streams and rivers, urban areas, low-lying area, storm drains, and culverts.
Flooding kills more people than any other weather-related hazard. Most deaths associated with floods occur either at night, or when people become trapped in automobiles that stall while driving in areas that are flooded.
National Weather Service Flash Flood Safety
•Do not drive through flooded areas especially at night when it is harder to gauge water depth. Consider the possibility that the roadway may have collapsed due to erosion. (You won’t be able to tell, if the road is covered by water. You also might drive into a washout.)
•If your vehicle stalls due to water, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may sweep the vehicle and its occupants away.
•Be familiar with the surrounding land features and be prepared to head for higher ground if necessary.
•Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio and local radio and television for the latest statements, watches, and warnings concerning heavy rain and flash flooding.
“TADD” – Turn Around Don’t Drown.