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Flood Emergencies

Southeastern Idaho has experienced flood emergencies as recent as 2023. Please follow these procedures if you experience flooding.

Before a Flood

Know your flood terminology:

  • A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable/possible for flooding.
  • A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
  • A Flash Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable/possible for flash flooding. A flash flood is a rapid flooding of low-lying areas generally caused by heavy rain associated with severe thunderstorms.
  • A Flash Flood Warning is issued when flash flooding is imminent or occurring.

If there is a Flood Watch in place, continue to listen for updates while attending school and work.

During a Flood

  • Follow directions from campus and local authorities.
  • Move immediately to higher ground if you are in a low-lying area. If you have time and it’s safe to do so, disconnect utilities and appliances.
  • Do not go into any room where water covers electrical outlets or cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises, leave immediately.
  • Do not walk through flood waters.
    • According to weather.gov, it only takes six inches (15 cm) of moving water to knock you off your feet.
    • Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide hazards such as sharp objects, washed out road surfaces, electrical wires, chemicals, etc.
    • Floodwater also has the potential to carry dangerous containments like sewage. Especially avoid floodwater if you have an open wound or are at risk of being infected. Infections from contaminated floodwater are extremely dangerous.

Driving and Floods

  • Do not drive into flooded roadways or around barricades. A vehicle caught in swiftly moving water can be swept away in seconds. According to weather.gov,  12 inches (30 cm) of water can float a car or a small SUV and 18 inches (45.72 cm) of water can carry away large vehicles.
  • Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
  • Stay inside your car if it is trapped in rapidly moving water. Get on the roof if water is rising inside the car.

Types of floods

The types of floods most likely to affect Rexburg include flash floods, river floods, snowmelt, and dam breaks.