River Report: What to know about flooding
Our hearts go out to those impacted and those who lost their lives in the recent flooding in Texas.
According to FEMA’s National Risk Index map, flooding is a risk throughout the Potomac River watershed, ranging from a ‘very low’ to a ‘very high’ risk. Some areas of Washington, D.C. are at a ‘very high’ risk. Much of the western part of the watershed is considered at a ‘relatively moderate’ to a ‘relatively high’ risk.
We are seeing many localized heavy storms this summer which can cause flash flooding, a dangerous condition where heavy rainfall causes quick flooding, which can happen within minutes or several hours.
Watch vs. warning
What is the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning? According to the National Weather Service, a watch indicates all the ingredients are there for a flood. The risk is there. A warning indicates the event is ‘occurring, imminent or likely’. Take action now.
Check out weather.gov for the latest alerts.
The difference between a weather watch and a weather warning, as demonstrated by a salad.
Staying safe
FEMA provides these tips for staying safe during a flood:
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Turn around, don’t drown. Avoid flooding roads and bridges over fast-moving water. If your car is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay in your car and get on the roof if the water is rising inside your car.
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Stay home. Get to the highest level if trapped in a building, only get on the roof if necessary, and do not climb into a closed attic to avoid getting trapped.
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Do not drink flood water (including brushing teeth or preparing food).
Find more tips on FEMA’s 7 Flood Safety Tips site.
ICPRB welcomes a new commissioner
ICPRB would like to welcome the newly appointed Commissioner Doug Domenech representing the Commonwealth of Virginia. Commissioner Domenech served as the Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources and as the Interior Assistant Secretary Insular and International Affairs during the first Trump Administration.
Commissioner Domenech was appointed to replace Commissioner Paul Holland who has been a valued member of the Commission since 2017.
“I would like to thank Paul Holland for his service as an ICPRB Commissioner. A resident of Arlington, Virginia, Paul was the Chair of the ICPRB Audit Committee and served on the ICPRB Nominating Committee as well. I look forward to working with his replacement, Commissioner Doug Domenech, a resident of Alexandria, Virginia, who brings a wealth of experience from service in state and federal government positions,” shared ICPRB Executive Director Michael Nardolilli.
The ICPRB Commission is composed of three commissioners and three alternate commissioners from the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the Federal Government.