What VA Residents Need To Know About Flash Flooding After Deadly Texas Tragedy

The deadly floods in central Texas are more than a thousand miles from Virginia, but serve as a reminder of the powerful force of water and how quickly lives can be lost in flash flooding.

At least 120 people are confirmed dead in the Fourth of July weekend flooding, including 27 campers and counselors at a century-old Christian summer camp for girls; more than 170 people are still missing. The National Weather Service said the Guadalupe River rose an astounding 26 feet in about 45 minutes after rain began last Friday.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, people in parts of Virginia got a reminder of the risks of flash flooding, as rainfall rates of 2 inches an hour in some areas prompted flash flood watches, the National Weather Service said.

And, the Texas disaster hit close to home for Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who owns property along the Guadalupe River. His wife, Suzanne Youngkin, and other family members were rescued from the floods at the family vacation spot on Friday.

"My family was there, along with friends, and by the grace of God, my family was safe," Youngkin said. "I have to say there was moments when they weren’t. They ended up being safe during the day."

Related: VA Governor's Family Rescued From Deadly TX Flooding

The Texas Hill Country in the central part of the state is naturally prone to flash flooding due to the dry dirt-packed areas where the soil lets rain skid along the surface of the landscape instead of soaking it up.

All rivers in Virginia are subject to flash flooding, though the risk level varies. Most areas in Virginia — including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Richmond and Harrisonburg, plus Fairfax County, have a relatively moderate risk for flooding, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Arlington and Alexandria have a relatively low flood risk, while the District of Columbia has a relatively high risk.

Flash Floods Happen Quickly

Flash floods are generally caused by heavy, torrential rainfall in a short period of time, generally in less than six hours, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

They can occur within minutes or hours of the rainfall event, or when there is no rainfall, such as after a levee or dam failure or a sudden release of water by a debris or ice jam.

Heed Flood Watches And Warnings

The National Weather Service issues flood advisories when flooding is possible. Remain aware and possibly cancel any activities that may be held in areas that are prone to flooding.

A flood watch is more severe and is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

A warning is usually issued for a smaller, more specific area. This is when you must act quickly, as flash floods are an imminent threat to you and your family.

What To Do In Flash Flooding

If officials warn of flooding, it’s best to stay off the roads, according to FEMA.

But if you have to drive and approach a flooded roadway or barriers, don’t drive or walk through floodwaters. The water may be deeper than it appears. As little as six inches of flooding can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Floodwaters can also contain chemicals, bacteria or debris — including electricity if power lines are down.

Some other tips:

• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water because it can wash away bridges without warning.
• Stay in your car if it gets swept away. Get on the roof if water is rising inside the car.

If you’re at home, evacuate when local officials tell you to do so. If you’re unable to evacuate:

• Get to the highest level if you’re trapped in a building.
• Only get on the roof if necessary, and once there, signal for help.
• Do not climb into a closed attic to avoid getting trapped by rising

Staffing Concerns At NWS Offices

In Texas, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch notice around 1 p.m. Thursday, followed by several flash flood warnings starting around 11:40 p.m. and going through about 1:15 a.m. A flash flood emergency was issued at 4:15 a.m. The alert told residents it was a "life-threatening situation" and they must "seek higher ground now!"

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a news briefing Monday that the local and federal weather services provided sufficient warnings to Kerr County, Texas, residents before the floods. The National Weather Service’s Austin-San Antonio forecasting office was fully staffed on Thursday and provided a lead time of about three hours before the floods and that warnings were “early and consistent.”

However, Tom Fahy, the legislative director for the National Weather Service Employees Organization, a union, told NBC News that two top positions were vacant at the San Antonio weather forecasting office — a permanent science officer and a warning coordination meteorologist, who coordinates with the media on important updates. Two employees were temporarily filling those positions, he said.

Fahy and others, including independent meteorologists and a retired NWS official, told NBC the warnings were as timely and accurate as could be expected with the data available in real-time.

“The forecasting was good. The warnings were good. It’s always about getting people to receive the message,” Chris Vagasky, a meteorologist based in Wisconsin, told the network. “It appears that is one of the biggest contributors — that last mile.”

Related

• GA Student Dies In TX Floods While Visiting Friends
• Girls Camp Grieves Loss Of 27 Campers And Counselors In TX Floods; At Least 100 Dead
• Weather Balloon Launch Cuts Could Hurt Storm Forecasting Accuracy

The Associated Press contributed reporting.