Heavy rainfall in Riverside County is known to cause significant flooding along area roads and in neighborhoods. The strong showers can also turn small washes into raging rivers.
Significant flooding occurs throughout Southwest Riverside during heavy rainfall. Bradley Road in Menifee is among the areas prone to flooding. (Photo: Joe Fanaselle/SWRNN File)
The Riverside County Fire Department and the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District are offering the following tips to avoid being caught in a flood.
“Turn around, don’t drown,” officials said. “Don’t try to drive through flooded areas. If it looks deep, it is.”
What advisories mean:
Flood watch: A flood is possible in your area
Flood warning: Flooding is already occurring or will occur soon.
Flash flood warning: Get to higher ground immediately. Leave your car, camping gear or any other belongings where they are. Flash floods can happen without warning and you may have only seconds to escape. If you hear a rumbling sound, see animals running away from where you are, or if you feel the ground shaking, climb to higher ground immediately.
What to do during a flood:
• If your property is in imminent danger of flooding, contact your local electric company and gas company to request that your power and natural gas be shut off, or for guidance on how to do it yourself.
• Tune in to your favorite news source or radio stations (KFI – 640 AM, KABC – 790 AM, KFWB – 980 AM, or KNX – 1070 AM), or NOAA Weather Radio (frequencies 162.550 or 162.450) for Watch and Warning Bulletins and any corresponding emergency instructions.
• If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes etc.
• The Riverside County Office of Emergency Services will order or advise evacuations if conditions warrant this action.
What to do after a flood:
• Listen to the radio for emergency instructions.
• Be aware of washed out roads, fallen power lines and ruptured sewer and gas pipelines and exercise appropriate caution.
• Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.
• Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. Never drive through flooded roadways
For a Winter Weather and Flood Preparedness brochure from the Office of Emergency Services, click here.
For information about how to use sand bags, click here .
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