A flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Duluth at 6:14 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15.
This warning initially applied to Burnett, Douglas and Washburn counties, but Washburn County was subsequently removed in a later warning.
The NWS warns: “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads. Report observed flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement and to the National Weather Service in Duluth when you can do so safely. Flooding can be reported to the National Weather Service at 1-800-685-8612.”
See weather radar for Douglas County
What are NWS meteorologists saying?
At 6:55 p.m., the NWS issued a statement including the following information:
“The National Weather Service in Duluth has issued a Flash Flood Warning for, Southwestern Bayfield County in northwestern Wisconsin, Southeastern Douglas County in northwestern Wisconsin, Until 10 p.m. CDT Tuesday. At 6:55 p.m. CDT Tuesday, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 3 and 5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.“
HAZARD: Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding.
SOURCE: Radar.
IMPACT: Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Barnes, Drummond, Upper Eau Claire Lake, Middle Eau Claire Lake, Lake Owen, and Rainbow Lake Wilderness.
What is a flash flood?
A flash flood is a flood caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than six hours, according to the NWS. Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains. A flash flood can be sudden and violent and take just minutes to develop. It is possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.
What’s the difference between a flash flood watch and a flash flood warning?
A flash flood warning is issued when a flood is imminent or occurring, the NWS says. If you are in a flood prone area, you should move immediately to high ground. The NWS issues a flash flood watch when flash flooding is possible.
What to do during a flood warning
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If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
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Use a battery-operated radio or television to get the latest emergency information.
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Do not walk through floodwater. Just six inches of floodwater can sweep you off your feet if it is moving swiftly.
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Turn around, don’t drown; do not drive into a flooded street. Cars can be swept away by two feet of moving water or there may be unseen damage to the road. If you come to a flooded area turn around and go another way. Most flood-related deaths are caused by people driving through water.
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Watch out for fire hazards.
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Stay alert, turn weather notifications on.
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Do not allow children to play in flowing water. Waters can hide rocks, trees and debris.
This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.
See the latest weather alerts and forecasts here
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Flash flood warning issued for Douglas and Burnett counties
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