Excessive Rain Predicted - Prepare for Flooding

“Stay weather aware! The National Weather Service predicts a prolonged wet weather pattern for the Mid-South with widespread heavy rainfall and potential flooding. A flash flood watch begins tonight at midnight through 6:00 a.m. Thursday. More rain is expected Friday night into Saturday. Review your flood plans and share our safety tips with your family,” said Dale Lane, Director Shelby County Office of Preparedness.

•  Short Term Forecast: Tonight through Saturday several inches of rain with possible flash flooding and river flooding.
• Long Term Forecast: Runoff from heavy rainfall may result in rapid rises in river, stream and creek levels. Widespread lowland flooding is possible and poor drainage urban areas may experience street flooding.
• Flooding Safety Tips:
• Monitor the forecast and river levels.
• Heed the watches and warnings.
• Clear debris from nearby storm drains before the rain begins.
• Have a plan to evacuate or shelter-in-place at a moment’s notice.
• Have alternative routes from home and work.
•  Know where higher ground is located.
• Avoid traveling at night when it is difficult to see the depth of water and hidden debris.
• Never drive through water on the road - turn around, don’t drown!
•  Do not drive around barricades.
• Do not walk or swim in flood waters. Flood waters can be toxic. 
• Do not allow children or pets near flood waters.
• Have a disaster kit for home, work and auto to sustain you and your pets for 7 days.
• Plan for pets and animals to be moved to higher ground.
• Caption: National Weather Service graphic Resource: www.weather.gov/Memphis

End Release