Stay off Kansas City roads during flash flood warning. Safety tips for driving in storm
The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning and a flash flood warning in the Kansas City area on Friday. The area is expected to get heavy rain as well as wind up to 70 miles per hour and hail.
The NWS is telling drivers to “turn around, don’t drown,” by staying off the roads during a thunderstorm. But if you have to be on the road or are already driving when the storm hits, here are a few tips to keep yourself — and others — safe while you drive in heavy rain.
You can take a look Kansas City’s road conditions in real time using the SCOUT dashboard from Kansas and Missouri transportation departments.
FLASH FLOOD TIPS
The NWS is recommending drivers to take their time while driving and turn on their headlights.
Most flood deaths are related to vehicles, according to the weather service. A foot of rushing water can carry a small vehicle. Water moving at two miles per hour can sweep a car off a road or bridge, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.
Instead of driving through the water of unknown depths and speeds, find another route. Some areas that are at risk include small creeks, highways, and low-lying areas.
You should avoid driving on flood-covered roads as the road may have collapsed under the water. An adult can be knocked over by six inches of fast-moving water, and a foot of water can carry away most cars. Two feet of water can carry away larger vehicles, like SUVs and trucks.
If your car gets caught in rising water, MoDOT recommends you get out of the vehicle and seek higher ground.
HOW CAN I RECEIVE WEATHER ALERTS?
Sign up to receive weather alerts in your area. If you’re in Johnson County, you sign up through NotifiyJoCo and you can register here. If you’re in Kansas City, sign up using this online form.
You can also sign up to get alerts by downloading the Everbridge app on your Apple or Android device. The system allows you to tailor the app to only send you the notifications you need the most, such as severe weather changes.
WHAT IF I HYDROPLANE?
Hydroplaning can happen with just 1/12 inch of rain on the road and speeds of 35 mph. That’s when excess water causes your tires to lose traction with the road.
If you do start to hydroplane, according to State Farm, slowly let off the gas and steer straight. If your car starts spinning, turn — slowly — in the same direction.
Drivers should also stay alert in slick conditions, slow down and allow extra time to stop. Additionally, drivers should turn off cruise control.
This story was originally published July 14, 2023 at 4:29 PM.
