A flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh at 7:05 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20, for Guernsey and Muskingum counties.
The NWS warns: "Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles."
At 7:05 a.m., the NWS issued a statement including the following information:
"The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh has issued a Flash Flood Warning for: Western Guernsey County in east central Ohio, Muskingum County in east central Ohio, until 10 a.m. EDT. At 7:05 a.m. EDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts up to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
HAZARD: Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE: Radar and automated gauges.
IMPACT: Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Zanesville, Cambridge, New Concord, Byesville, South Zanesville, North Zanesville, Philo, Pleasant Grove, Senecaville, Lore City, Old Washington, Fultonham, Norwich, Bridgeville, Chandlersville, Duncan Falls, High Hill, Otsego, Drake and Ruraldale."
Flash floods can develop within six hours of heavy rain, dam or levee failure. They can uproot trees, destroy buildings and bridges and trigger mudslides. Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains.
Flash floods can even occur in areas that aren't receiving rain, the NWS warns.
A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding, according to the NWS. It doesn't guarantee flooding will occur, but it means flooding is possible.
A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or already happening, USA TODAY reported. If you're in a flood-prone area during a flash flood warning, move to higher ground immediately.
Remember: Turn around, don't drown.
If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Use a battery-powered radio or TV to get the latest emergency information.
Do not walk through floodwater ― just 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
Turn around, don't drown: Never drive into a flooded street. Two feet of moving water can sweep away a car, and roads may be washed out.
Stay alert and keep weather notifications on.
Keep children away from floodwaters ― they 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 Zanesville Times Recorder: Flash flood warning issued for Muskingum County