Brookhaven Emergency Management urges flash flood awareness

Brookhaven Alert

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Brookhaven, GA, Aug. 30, 2023 – With recent flash flooding events in Brookhaven, the City’s Emergency Management division urges residents stay aware of the risks and sign up for alerts.

“As we learned from recent storms, flash flooding is a risk to our creeks and the roadways,” said Sgt. Matthew Murray, the Brookhaven Police Department’s Emergency Management Team Lead. “Yesterday, traffic was impacted by the closure of I-285 from flooding, and East Nancy Creek reached a minor flood stage last night. The waters on both the interstate and East Nancy Creek quickly receded, but this is a good time to talk about flood safety.”

According to the National Weather Service, flash floods occur suddenly and usually within hours of excessive heavy rainfall. Flash floods become raging torrents of water, ripping through neighborhoods, streets, valleys, etc., sweeping away whatever is in their path. Heavy rain should be a signal that alerts you to the possibility of dangerous flood conditions.

Make sure you are weather-aware by signing up for Brookhaven Alerts and watch out for flood warnings. A Flash Flood Watch is issued when conditions look favorable for flash flooding. A watch usually encompasses several counties. This is the time to start thinking about your plan of action and where you would go if the water begins to rise. A Flash Flood Warning is issued when dangerous flash flooding is happening or will happen soon. A warning is usually a smaller, more specific area. This can be issued due to excessive heavy rain or a dam/levee failure. This is when you must act quickly, as flash floods are an imminent threat to you and your family. You may only have seconds to move to higher ground.

The National Weather Service has the following flood safety rules:

  • During periods of heavy rains, stay away from flood-prone areas such as stream beds, drainage ditches, and culverts.
  • Move to higher ground if flooding threatens your area.
  • If you live or work in flood-prone areas, remain alert during periods of heavy rain.
  • Be especially cautious at night as it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
  • Never drive your car into water of unknown depth. Most flash flood deaths occur when people drive their vehicles into flood waters. Remember: Turn Around Don't Drown!
  • If your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Flood water may rise quickly, cover the vehicle and sweep it away.
  • Stay out of flooded areas. The water may still be rising and very swift. A rapidly flowing stream can sweep you off your feet and sweep your vehicle downstream.
  • Children are especially vulnerable and should not be allowed to play in or around flowing water.
  • Water can run off streets and parking lots rapidly, causing natural and man-made drainage systems to overflow with flood waters.
  • Flood waters can hide rocks, trees, trash, and other debris that can be dangerous to someone in their path.
  • Water is a very powerful force and should NEVER be underestimated.

For more information on flooding awareness and preparation, see the Georgia Emergency Management website at www.gema.georgia.gov/floods-and-flash-floods .

To register for Brookhaven Alerts, www.BrookhavenGA.gov/BrookhavenAlert.

If you already have Brookhaven Alerts but are not getting weather messages, log into your account and select Edit Alerts on the right side of the page. Then, select the alerts you wish to receive.

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Media Contact: 
Ann Marie Quill
Communications Director
(404) 205-3832
AnnMarie.Quill@BrookhavenGA.gov

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