Moving water is deceptively powerful. Just 15 cm (6 inches) of fast water can knock an adult off their feet, and 30 cm (a foot) can float many cars; 60 cm (two feet) will carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and trucks.
Most flood deaths happen in vehicles, when drivers enter water across a road. You cannot judge the depth or whether the road beneath has washed out — “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” exists because the safe choice is always to go another way.
Know the alerts: a flood watch means conditions are favorable for flooding — be ready; a flood warning means flooding is happening or imminent — act now. A flash flood warning means move to higher ground immediately.
Plan for your specific risk. If you live near a small stream or in a canyon, have a way to get higher fast; in a river floodplain, heed evacuation timing for the forecast crest. Never walk or drive into floodwater, and stay away from storm drains and fast channels.