Flash flooding and lightening flashes can be deadly

While tornadoes may be the most-feared weather phenomenon in the Midwest, lightning and flash floods have killed more people in Iowa. National Weather Service senior forecaster Brad Small says lightning and flooding are common occurrences with non-severe storms.This is Severe Weather Awareness Week and Iowans are being reminded about some of the risks of living in this part of the nation. Small says if you see lightning, even far away in a storm, seek shelter immediately.Small says flooded roads and flash floods can be very dangerous. He says if you see a roadway that is covered by water, do not drive through it, even if the water only looks like it’s a foot deep. He says the water may’ve washed away the road beneath the water.Small says a flash flood warning is usually issued when there is heavy rain falling or expected with rainfall rates of an inch or two per hour, or there are reports of flooded roadways or streams out of their banks.