Oxford County
Emergency Management Agency
PO Box 179, 26 Western Avenue
South Paris ME 04281
Ph 207-743-6336 FAX 207-743-7346
oxctyema@megalink.net
Office hours: Monday through Friday 8am-4pm
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Flash Floods and FloodsAs seen in the town of Bethel (July 2007) flash flooding can cause immense amounts of damage. A flash flood in this area washed out the town’s reservoir, once clear, and filled it full of mud and boulders. An alternate source needed to be found to supply the town with water, and it is likely that the original watershed and reservoir will not be restored to its original condition. There are two key factors to flash flooding, duration and intensity. A storm that has intense rainfall even over a short period of time can cause flash flooding, or a storm that lasts for a longer period of time can saturate the soil and create a flood. Flash floods can also be caused by dam failure or even ice jams that release water suddenly along rivers. Most flood deaths are caused by flash floods, and nearly half of those are from people trapped in automobiles. If you come across a flooded road, do not attempt to drive through it. You have no way of telling if the road underneath the water is still intact and only two feet of water can carry away most vehicles. Flood watches and warnings can be found at the NWS Gray, ME website at http://www.erh.noaa.gov/gyx/ For information on flood preparedness and safety visit the American Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_240_,00.htm |
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