ORLANDO, Fla. – Rounds of heavy rain since last weekend have moved through Central Florida.
Several communities across Central Florida have observed double digit rainfall totals.
A stalled front has not only helped to trigger storms, but it has supplied Central Florida abundant moisture for our typical afternoon sea breeze thunderstorms to use.
Why so much flooding?
The rainfall rates have been extremely impressive, at times more than 5 inches of rain per hour. With rainfall rates that intense, the ground can’t absorb the water fast enough and storm drains may have trouble keeping up.
The persistent rain has also aggravated rivers and streams, which rise and fall quickly during and after the storm.
What to do in a flash flood
A flash flood is a flood that happens extremely fast. If you live near a creek or small river, it is extremely important to know when days of heavy rain are expected. The same goes if you live in a poor drainage area.
Excess concrete and asphalt from development can exacerbate flooding by creating more runoff.
If you are driving during and see flood waters in the road, it is important to not drive through the water. You’ve likely heard the saying, “turn around, don’t drown.”
It is impossible to know how much water is actually on the road or if the road has been damaged in any way.
It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock a person off their feet. A foot of water can stall and sweep away a car.