Preparing for Flooding without Panicking

Jed Boal ReportingThe potential for flooding this spring still depends on the weather during the next month, so the state wants to make sure people prepare without panicking.

During the next two months, some creeks could top their banks. The Governor wants us all to be as prepared as possible for flooding in some areas and swift water across the state.

Floods arrive with a wide range of intensity, from a wall of water to a slow creep. Flooding in Washington County this winter damaged hundreds of millions of dollars worth of property in a matter of hours.

Floods also kill more people in the US than any other type of severe weather. So the state wants to anticipate potential problems and raise public awareness.

Governor John Huntsman Jr.: "Be in a position to respond proactively when something does occur in a way to minimize damage or injury to people."

The Governor launched the flood campaign with the National Weather Service and TV meteorologists, including KSL-5's Len Randolph.

Len Randolph, KSL-5 Meteorologist: "Are we concerned about the flood potential? You bet. Do we know what's going to happen in the next 30 to 60 days? No."

But we know there's average to above average run-off stored up in the snowpack. For the greatest flooding potential keep an eye on areas with tremendous snowpack.

Coal Creek above Cedar City could crest its banks, and over the ridge the Upper Sevier could also flood. The Duchesne River Basin will also flow high on the southern slope of the Uintas. But flooding safety is an issue statewide.

Dr. Larry Dunn, National Weather Service: "It happens every year. So monitor your children when they're around waterways. Whether they're in flood or not in flood, they're very dangerous."

Spring run-off should peak in May or June.